- Psalm 34:1-7 - I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
- Psalm 42:1 - As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.
- 1 Samuel 1:1-28 - (Text regarding Hannah's desire for a child)
- 1 Samuel 2:1-10 - (Text regarding Hannah's prayer)
- John 11:17-27 - (Text regarding the resurrection of Lazarus)
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
- John 15:5 - I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
When we respond with a faithful, ready-to-learn, and surrendered heart, difficulties bring spiritual growth. God promises to be with us when we go through trials. He wants to be our Teacher and Guide. But for this, we must align ourselves with Him: We must desire to walk in God's ways. Scripture compares this desire to a deer thirsting for water. We must thirst for God's direction instead of going our own way. We must be ready to learn from the Lord. When we wait for His guidance, He will turn our difficulties into times of learning. We must have an open heart to receive what God wants to teach us. We must surrender to His will. Often, God asks us to trust Him before showing us the solution. He calls us to walk by faith, not by sight. Difficulties are an unpleasant, inevitable part of life, but they are not worthless. God will lead us through them. He only asks for this: a soft heart, a spirit open to learning, and a will surrendered to Him.
Reflection
What difficulty are you currently facing, and are you willing to ask what God wants to teach you through this situation?
