I’ve often heard the saying, “It doesn’t matter what cards life deals you, it’s how you use them that matters.” The sad fact is, none of us are exempt from hardship or frustration in one form or another. When life comes at us, we tend to seek solutions or comfort in things and people around us. Many times we crack, leaving room for Satan to slip in and tempt us away from seeking what we truly need—the Lord.
For those of you still in school, perhaps you’re burdened by the pressure of getting good grades and you REALLY need to pass the upcoming exam. You may be tempted to cheat when you aren’t sure of an answer. Or maybe, on a more severe scale, you’re experiencing a slump of depression. Oftentimes the darkness can feel so heavy on your shoulders that you lose interest in things that you love. You are tempted to isolate yourself or seek comfort in substances or toxic relationships.
There are so many people in this world—myself included—who have been in situations similar to these. Even when we know we should, it’s hard to seek God when we feel hopeless. Even Jesus himself was tempted when things got rough. But the good news is that hope is never lost.
Remember the story of the person walking on the beach with Jesus. Sometimes they looked back and only saw one pair of footprints. They thought He had left them alone in the worst of times, but then learned Jesus had been carrying them through. Seek comfort in our Lord God who carries us when we stumble or simply lose the will to walk at all. Do not be tempted by temporary, worldly solutions that steer you away from the only true Source of hope. Talk to friends, mentors, or licensed professionals who will guide you to better your body, your mind, and your spirit. Cling to Him, for the comfort that God can give us is so much greater than alcohol, drugs, sex, cheating, or self-gratification.
So whatever storm of life you are experiencing, take comfort in God’s promise that you are strong enough to handle it. "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it,” 1 Corinthians 10:13.