When we came to know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior, we may have expected life would get easier. We stepped from a life of selfishness and sin into a new sanctified life with Him. But it wasn’t smooth sailing from that point on, was it?

The presence of trouble doesn’t mean the absence of the Holy Spirit. Just because we go through difficult times doesn’t mean He’s not there. It’s how we deal with the situation that matters.

“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” —John 16:32-33 NIV

Read: Acts 14:1-20

Sometimes God calls us to step out of our comfort zone and do things that may cost us something. In this passage, we see the fickle hearts of culture. Paul and Barnabus were preaching the Word in the Jewish synagogue and were met by the divided opinions of those who heard. Some wanted to stone them, and others tried to worship them as gods. Regardless of potential danger, the apostles continued to do what God had told them to do and miraculous healing took place. When we carry the Holy Spirit with us, His goodness will follow us wherever we may go.

Were there moments when Paul and Barnabas thought they may not make it out of this tumultuous situation alive? Probably. Culture will do everything it can to hinder the message of Christ, but it can’t. We serve a mighty God. When we consistently live out the message of Jesus Christ, we cannot fail.

Journal: Have you ever been in a situation where you faced persecution or trials for something God had called you to do? How did you respond?

Pressure from culture reveals the foundation on which our lives are built. Facing hardships exposes the cracks. If we never encounter pressure, the good things that happen in our lives could easily become the very platform on which we build, but they would surely crumble. We often blame the storms we face, but it’s the foundation that’s the problem. Building our lives on the Word of God is the only way to prevail.

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.” —Matthew 7:24-27

If God calls us to it, He will bring us through it. He isn’t surprised by anything we face. While we may not be able to predict what’s around the corner, there is one thing we can always know for sure. God is sovereign, and He’s always in control. Our calling may not seem popular or draw a big crowd. God doesn’t need a majority; He just needs one who is available to be faithful to His purpose.

Determine to be the one no matter what storms come your way. Stand firm in your calling. When the Holy Spirit leads you into the unknown, as turbulent as it may be, trust Him enough to get up…not give up. He will see you through.

Activation: As you end each day this week, write down a difficult situation you encountered that day, your response, and something God revealed to you through it.

Scriptures to pray when going through difficult situations:

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. —Psalm 23:1-5 NLT

I pray to you, O Lord, my rock. Do not turn a deaf ear to me. For if you are silent, I might as well give up and die. Listen to my prayer for mercy as I cry out to you for help, as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary. Do not drag me away with the wicked—with those who do evil—those who speak friendly words to their neighbors while planning evil in their hearts. Give them the punishment they so richly deserve! Measure it out in proportion to their wickedness. Pay them back for all their evil deeds! Give them a taste of what they have done to others. —Psalm 28:1-4 NLT

“The Lord will conquer your enemies when they attack you. They will attack you from one direction, but they will scatter from you in seven! —Deuteronomy 28:7 NLT

O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Put on your armor, and take up your shield. Prepare for battle, and come to my aid. Lift up your spear and javelin against those who pursue me. Let me hear you say, “I will give you victory!” Bring shame and disgrace on those trying to kill me; turn them back and humiliate those who want to harm me. —Psalm 35:1-4 NLT

He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! —Psalm 91:4-13 NLT