Going through tough times… we’ve all been there. Many times, we feel overwhelmed. Often, the burdens we carry can be very difficult. Sometimes, we may even get to the point of giving up.

Then there are times when life is wonderful. The celebrations and milestones in our lives bring us joy. We seem to remember those good times more often than the bad, and we are definitely thankful for them.

When the difficulties come, however, especially those that we’re not expecting and we don’t understand, for me, I seem to forget the good times that I have celebrated and were grateful for.

I don’t know why we are faced with situations and circumstances that we cannot humanly discern. We seem to be clueless as to why we are experiencing them, and that just adds to the burden.

My faith, my walk with Jesus, tells me that God is with us always. But in my humanness, I have to remind myself of the good times, and how He brought me through the difficult situations. Like the Israelites in the Old Testament, God had to constantly remind them of how He rescued them from bondage in Egypt and brought them into the Promised Land – a better place than before.

But for us, in our modern times, we need to call on our brothers and sisters who share our faith in Jesus Christ to help remind us of just how far God has brought us from where we have been in the past. Our family in Christ, along with the Holy Spirit, will help us get through the tough times. So be encouraged, be a reminder, be a helper, be a pray-er, be a blessing, be a voice of faith to those who need it most.

The Apostle Paul said, “…join in helping us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gift that came to us through the prayers of many” (2 Corinthians 1:11 HCSB).

Toni Ceglia