Psalm 46:1
1 God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Introduction
This morning I want to point out to you 4 signposts/landmarks that you are going to want to look for and locate as you travel the road ahead. Now these 4 signposts are essential for your travels (especially when times get hard or when you face a persistent trial). And the reason they are essential, is because they are indications of God’s love, care, and presence with you in the very midst of what you are going through. However, the problem is that far too often we miss/overlook them just when we need them the most. Therefore, this morning I want to point out 4 signposts that we desperately need to notice but often overlook whenever life gets hard. So let’s begin.
Four signposts we often miss when the road gets hard
1. In the midst of difficulty the first signpost we often miss is God’s Sustaining Blessings– Think about it: when we are facing a crisis in one area of life, all of our attention (understandably so) is focused on that one area. However, as a result, we often miss the way that God is upholding and protecting us in the other areas of our life so we can attend to the dilemma.
Deuteronomy 29:5 “I have led you forty years in the wilderness; your clothes have not worn out on you, and your sandal has not worn out on your foot.
2. In the midst of difficulty we often miss the Small Signs– when we are desperate for deliverance and eager for resolve, we often miss the indicators that God gives us that He is with us and is at work for us in the very midst of the situation.
1 Kings 19:11 And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a quiet whisper.
3. In the midst of difficulty we often overlook the importance of Past Blessings– However, over and again Scripture calls us to remember God’s past faithfulness, love, and provision (e.g. Ps 105:4-5; Ps 111:4-5). Why? God is the same (in His nature, character, commitment to you) yesterday, today, and forever (Heb 13:8). Therefore, God’s past faithfulness speaks to (assures us of) His ongoing faithfulness. Joshua 4:3 Command them, saying, ‘Take up for yourselves twelve stones from out of the middle of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet are standing firm, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the lodging place where you will lodge tonight.'” (see also vs 4-7)
4. In the midst of difficulty we often miss the Big Picture– regardless of where God leads you and how God leads you there, following God is never in vain. In fact, following God and staying on God’s path is to already be on the path that will lead you through and out of the difficulty.
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
II. How do I Respond when I don’t know what to do
First and foremost stay close to God. Seek Him in His Word, in His house, in prayer, and then make sure that the next step you take is the right sort of step
Proverbs 18:10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous runs into it and is safe.