I never thought that I would be in the place where I was. How could God allow all this difficulty and stress in my life regarding my job? Was it God who was leading me to the world of teaching or was I just following what I thought was right for my life?

If I’m being honest I had become bitter and angry towards God. I had lost all hope and excitement for life. My anxiety was through the roof and I was very concerned for my mental health.

I’ve been feeling like this for a while, but God has slowly been bringing me out of this dark place. He has taught me some valuable lessons during this season.

If you’re going through a difficult season, here are some insights that helped me during my difficult time.

HERE ARE THREE THINGS GOD COULD BE TEACHING YOU DURING DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES

1. Rely On Jesus And Don’t Return to Your Former Sins

As we go through difficult circumstances, we can be tempted to go back to our former idols. We begin to lose sight of who God is and his love for us.

During these hard months, I slowly started to distance myself from God. I wasn’t reading the word as much, and I started to listen to worldly music. Also, I found myself struggling with all kinds of sins and sexual temptations that were not there before.

I went to other sources, except THE source- JESUS.

As believers, we often question His goodness based on our circumstances. You may start believing the lie that God is not good enough and that we should go back to what we used to do.

This reminds me of when the Lord delivered the Israelites out of Egypt. When they were out in the wilderness, they complained and questioned the goodness of God. But God is still God.

The same God that delivered them from Egypt is the same God that could provide for them while they were thirsty and hungry in the desert.

For we walk by faith, not by sight

2 Corinthians 5:7

This verse comes to mind and it reminds me that we are to trust God, not based on the circumstances around us, but on the word of God and God’s truth.

We are to put our full confidence in God and His promises, even if we cannot see them coming to pass.

This was something I lost sight of during this time. As you read earlier, I slowly drifted away from the word of God. And that may explain why I was struggling with my walk with Jesus. I was not walking by faith.

2. Don’t Let Life Circumstances Define God’s Character Or Your Perception of Him 

Just because our circumstances change does not mean God changes. Regardless of what we are going through, God is still good.

Through the struggles, keep your eye on the one who can bring us through the valleys. If we do not, this is when we start to grow a bitter and cold heart toward God.

Christians could easily be ensnared in our sins, and lose the feeling of His love and presence. There may be moments when we are angry toward God, but it is important not to stay there.

Taste and see that the LORD is good.

Psalm 34:8

When David wrote this psalm, he encouraged others to experience God’s goodness for themselves.

If we have a better understanding of God and his goodness, it is easier for us to put our anger on the cross and praise God through our difficulties and struggles.

Remember, God is the one providing for us, and protecting us. Most importantly, He is the one who saved us. This will help us to persevere in the valley.

3. Lean On The Word Of God And Get Support From Others

The word is a lamp unto our feet and It is very important for us to stay connected to God. While we’re going through our difficult circumstances it’s easy to not want to read the word. It’s tempting to not want to talk to anyone- at that. We begin to feel anger toward everyone and we find comfort in isolating ourselves.

At this point, we need support from godly community. We need to tell people that we are struggling so that they can pray for us, encourage us and shed some light on our situation.

The Lord works through other believers and can help us if we are humble enough to reach out for help.

For by wise guidance, you can wage your war, and in an abundance of counselors there is victory.

Proverbs 24:6

There is an added power when two come together and pray. Christians must remain connected to each other and stand with each other, so life pressures do not pull people away from the faith.

I’m not going to lie to you and say that there are not going to be challenging seasons up ahead. Because there will be.

The most important thing is to remember who Jesus is, lean on His word, and get support from others.

God knows the beginning from the end and He is very intentional about all the things that He allows in your life.

Trust God even through the darkest valley so that He can bring you to the mountaintop.