Your life might be going well right now or you might be in the middle of a mess. As someone has said we are usually in a difficult time, just coming out of one or about to enter a difficult season. Sooner or later problems, pain, hard times and loss are sure to come your way. Because many of us tend to procrastinate about so much in life, we are often caught by surprise when painful events barge into our lives.

How about preparing a go-to formula to help us during the inevitable hard times?

Let’s look at an approach to painful times that may be helpful in any season.

In her book “Though the Mountains Shake“, Amy Carmichael tells about her meeting Andrew Murray while they were both in England during the year 1895. She shares her impression of him and how he handled a painful time he experienced.

The following is taken from Amy Carmichael’s writing about Andrew Murray.

“I knew that his books were very good. Not that I had read one of them, but a neat row of them, dressed in sober grey, lived in my mother’s room, and she and everybody said how good they were. Was he as good as his books? He was better; for there was not only goodness, there was a delicious dry humor, dauntless courage, and the gentleness and simplicity of a dear child. And he was very loving.”

“Then something painful happened. This is how he met it: He was quiet for a while with his Lord, then he wrote these words for himself”

First He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest.

Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child.

Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow.

Last, in His good time He can bring me out again–how and when He knows.

Let me say I am here,

1. By God’s appointment
2. In His keeeping
3. Under His training
4. For His time

I am sure that Andrew Murray still felt the pain but he knew where to look for help and Who to trust to bring him through. Trusting in Jesus is the only way.

It is a mystery perhaps, but when we are at the lowest places we may sense the nearness of Jesus more keenly than at any other time. I know I have.

Jesus knows well all our sorrows in all seasons. See Isaiah 53:3-5 and Hebrews 4:14-15

Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. See John 14

Do you have a plan for the painful times?

Please leave a comment below.

You can also send me an email Lynn@everydaywiththeking.com

Live every day with the King!