A Christian's Response to Difficult Situations in Life

What will my response be when things turned against me in life?
What will my response be when man falsely accuse and persecute me?
What will my response be when Christian brothers betray, attack or desert me?
What will my response be when Christian leaders fail me?
What will my response be when I am hurting badly and seething with anger?

I am not sure how I will respond when times like this comes my way. Yet I have seen many lives destroyed or crushed by their response to these situations. It can be difficult to hold on to God and easy to let loose our hurts and fury in such situations. But if there is one thing that should govern our response, it must be God Himself - His very words. How then should a Christian respond to such situations in life?

In times when things turned against us, sometimes without reason, we must cling on to God. To believe that He is in control, He knows what's best, and He will make all things well someday; even though we cannot see it now and we are in tears. There is great Hope because of Jesus Christ. He has saved us, redeemed us, make us His very own and given us eternal and abundant life. (John 1:12; 3:16; 10:10) Our earthly life is but for a moment; then we shall have no more tears for eternity, and our troubles on earth will be nothing in light of our eternal glory in Him. (2 Cor 4:16-17)

In times when man falsely accuse you and attack you, even Christian brothers, be patient. For God will judge justly and bring about His righteous wrath. (Rom 12:19) It is not right for you and I to take matters into our own hands and repay evil for evil. (Rom 12:17; 1 Thess 5:15) Rather, we must overcome evil with good.(Rom 12:21) We must never sinned in our anger with the words we say and the actions we do. We must be wise not to play the devil's game and not to let him have a foothold in our lives through our response(Eph 4:26-27) Be patient and stand firm in the Lord.

In times when Christian leaders fail you, pray. This is a time when you could find yourself confused, disappointed, angry, upset, bitter or a mixture of everything. It is vital to pray at such times because this is when the devil will incite and deceive you and many in your church. Widespread rumours, misunderstandings, divisions and fights is the devil's gameplan. Let us not be deceived into becoming a tool for him but let us be self-controlled and alert; for the devil is taking such opportunities to devour people up in church. (1 Peter 5:8) Pray for your leaders, and ask the Lord to show you what is happening and how to deal with it wisely. (Rom 15:30; James 1:5)

And in all things, always pray and always give thanks to God in all circumstances. (1 Thess 5:17-18)

And to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. (Rom 12:12)

Let us therefore sing to the Lord in response!
"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." (Ps 107:1) Amen.