By Grant Kaul, Senior Pastor

“O our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this great multitude who are coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are on You.” 2 Chronicles 20:12

Where we look determines how we live.

Difficulties have a way of demoralizing us.  All of us have first-hand experience with hurt and hardships.  Try as we might, trials, and even tragedy, are unavoidable.  We are fallen people living in a failing world.  Job nailed it when he declared, “For man is born for trouble, as sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7).

So how do we live when life is crumbling all around us?  Must we simply endure the pain of our problems?  Where is the high road when we feel so low?

When the weights of the world seem to be crushing us down, it is only by looking up to the God of heaven that we will find the help we so desperately need.  Do not wait for favorable feelings.  They may be few and far between when difficulties lead to despair.  Rather, direct your heart back to trusting God and ask Him to change your desire when your flesh is resistant to the idea. 

2 Chronicles 20 gives a picture of living by faith in the face of immense difficulties.  Follow in these footsteps and find yourself rising above your painful circumstances by: 1) recalling God’s character (20:6); 2) remembering God’s faithfulness (20:7-9); and 3) refocusing on God’s presence (20:12).

We need not fear or be dismayed.  God will accomplish His purposes and win our battles–both the ones in our world and in our hearts (2 Chron. 20:15, 20-30).  No matter what we are facing, we must learn to rejoice in the Lord (Phil. 3:1; 4:4).  Where we look determines how we live.  We live by faith in Christ.  He is the One who loves us and will never leave us.  Look up.   

 If you are looking for a place to seek and worship God, join us on Sunday mornings at 9:00am and 10:45am or check out past messages on our Vimeo site. We also have several care ministries designed to help you seek God in times of trouble.