God’s Plan To Get You Through Tough Times

Have you ever watched the Tour de France? Bicyclists power through the mountains in Europe, often topping speeds of 70 mph on their descent. This can make for horrific crashes when a cyclist misjudges a curve, slick road, or the distance between him and the cyclist next to him.

The race takes more than three weeks to complete, with 2,200 miles of rough terrain of the Pyrenees and the Alps intermixed with beautiful rolling countryside. Time trials are also part of the tour. Those riders who endure the entire race cross the finish line on the historical Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Power and speed are two integral components of the race, but the most important factor is pacing—much like marathon running. This is particularly true in time trials, where riders get to demonstrate their individual strength.

While full-speed crashes are less likely because time trials are very calculated and controlled, many factors can derail a racer’s success. Early fatigue from pressing too hard, lack of good preparation, yielding to outside or internal influences, and not enough training are just a few.

We can look at our spiritual lives and see similarities. We often zip through life with an overloaded calendar filled with more commitments than we can hope to accomplish well, and we pray that there isn’t a curve or slick road ahead.

Then a trial hits. Trials are mind-bogglingly slow and require the power that comes from the Holy Spirit to get through them. Getting alone with God through Bible study, peaceful prayer, and waiting is imperative for a successful outcome. Waiting isn’t something most of us are naturally geared toward.

In the Old Testament, Jeremiah finds himself in a desperate situation of trying to warn Judah of their impending doom while also trying to encourage them to renew their covenant with God. Jeremiah complained, felt depressed, and often showed downright despair. After one such complaint, in Jeremiah 12:5, God responded with “If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out, how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country, how will you manage in the thickets by the Jordan?”

Basically, God said the trial is for your own good—to strengthen you for the tasks ahead. But he doesn’t just leave you there.

Don’t lose heart during a trial. There’s a promise of the finish line. The trial doesn’t last forever.

First Peter 1:6-7 reminds us that trials are “for a little while” and that we should rejoice in this. Trials have come to prove “genuineness of your faith”—of greater worth than gold.

We’re told how to run. Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.”

And lastly, be encouraged by the outcome. James 1:2-12 gives us great encouragement that “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

We can persevere with God’s sufficient grace (2 Corinthians 12:9) and through the power of the Holy Spirit. Then we are refined to walk out our faith to help others going through similar trials, and in the end, receive the crown of life the Lord promised to those who love Him.

The Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7-8 said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

So feel confident that when the trial comes—you’ve trained for it, and the Master Coach will walk beside you, ensuring you don’t fatigue until you reach the end.

Isn’t that a great promise to hold on to? 

What are your go-to Bible verses in times of trouble? Is there a time you can look back on and know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God carried you through?

**Leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Cloaked in Love by Stitches author Elaine Manders! Winner will be announced in the April 30th edition of the Weekly Windup.**

Blog photos courtesy of Pixabay.com.

Laura Hodges Poole is the author and co-author of several books, available on Amazon. Her Christian romance novel, Return to Walhalla, recently released. She is the 2016 ACWC Badge of Honor winner, 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist, and 2012 RWA Emily finalist. Laura is also a non-fiction ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." When she’s not writing, you might find her hiking, playing the piano, or being crafty. A mother of two, Laura lives in South Carolina with her husband.

Website: http://laurahodgespoole.com/
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When financier Penny Ruskin returns to Walhalla, South Carolina, she has one purpose—to settle her grandmother’s estate and sell the Victorian house she grew up in. Not an easy task with the downturned economy. What she doesn't count on are all the roadblocks thrown in her path.

Walhalla is Tommy McAllister’s life. Between his family’s feed-and-seed store and the bank he’s vice president of, he’s stretched thin trying to survive the recession. But when a girl he hasn’t seen since high school breezes back into town, he’s ready to push himself even further to help her feel at home—and convince her to stay. He reaches out to Penny, but the last thing she wants is to be trapped in a small town that holds painful memories—one dark secret in particular.

The town matchmaker and bank manager, Miss Betty, a motherless teen Emma who lives down the lane from Penny, and the church ladies of Walhalla’s First Baptist add both heartwarming and challenging moments to Penny’s life.

With the past dogging Penny’s steps, dredging up painful memories she’s tried to outrun, relatives threaten the future she has begun to hope for…But somewhere deep inside her, a spark of hope remains. Tommy isn’t the only one praying for a miracle.

Click here to read a FREE Preview of Return to Walhalla. 

Author Interview With TC Avey

Today, I have the privilege of welcoming Christian author, TC Avey, to discuss her recent book, “The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends.” Her honesty and passion about Christianity and where we’re headed spiritually and as a nation shines through her writing.  

Having read the book as her editor, I consider it one of the most eye-opening books for Christians on the market today. A collection of short stories with futuristic settings, most are plausible in our current world situation. Following each short story is a list of discussion questions and reality checks to help the reader explore their belief system. This book would make a great small group or Bible study resource.

Welcome, TC. First, I’d like to ask what led you to write “The Precipice?”

One day I sat in church and wondered how I would react if someone threatened my life if I refused to recant my belief in Christ. Honestly, I’m not sure how I would react. I’d like to think I’d be brave. Men and women die for Christ every day, but I’m not so sure I’m that strong. Living in America, I feel safe. But I cannot assume I will always have the right to “freedom of religion.”

What would I do?

That question plagued me. Especially as I read more and more news stories forcing me to believe such a reality isn’t as farfetched as many would like to believe. With these thoughts in mind, I sat down and wrote my book.

Your book leaves people with a great deal to mull over. What do you hope people will take away from reading your stories?

I hope they realize life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are not guaranteed. Not for Americans or citizens of any nation. The only One who can keep such a promise is God.
2 Cor 3:17 tells us, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

God does not lie. Therefore, it is imperative people build their lives—hopes, dreams, everything—upon Him. A shallow relationship with Him will have difficulty standing when the winds of adversity blow like a tornado (Matt 7:24-29). Only those with deep roots will thrive (Matt 13:1-22).

One must begin today to place their trust in Christ alone.

Why do you think some Christians are hesitant to discuss end times?

There’s no simple answer to this. Each person is different. But in general, I think part of it is fear—few like thinking the world is going to end—and part is lack of knowledge. The Bible has numerous Scriptures about the End Times, but there’s no formula for cracking when it’s going to happen. The Bible says only God knows the hour He will return for His children.

Also, there’s great debate within the Christian community about WHEN Christ will call His children home—how much pain and suffering we will endure at the hands of the anti-Christ.

Despite all this, I believe it is vital Christians acknowledge the world will one day end. I have no clue when that time will be. But I can trust God and follow what I believe He is revealing to me in His Word. Each person must read His Word, not trust someone else to tell them what it says. Honestly, it really doesn’t matter when He comes. All that matters is that His Bride is ready and carrying out His work—the Great Commission.

We need to stop worrying, and arguing, among ourselves about issues such as pre-tribulation vs. post-tribulation and focus on sharing the Gospel with the Lost.

Our lives are not our own. We were purchased at a price. It’s time Christians begin realizing this and go about their Father’s business.

How did you research the Reality Checks in your book?

The Reality Checks are short summaries of Modern Events transpiring around the globe. Some regard technology, while others focus on infringements of people’s rights, and others tell about persecuted Christians.

I have a few sources I trust and read on a regular basis. But I don’t take what they say at face value. I try to have two-three sources back up any story. I especially like when I can get sources from opposing “sides” telling a story, not only is that interesting, but it paints a more complete picture.

The references I used are at the end of my book. If you go through them, you will discover even more references and newer stories about these events.

Knowledge, technology, civilizations, and news stories are ever changing. One must make an intentional effort to stay up-to-date or they will be swept away by others who are “in the know” and are navigating the winds of change to their advantage.

The only thing that never changes is God.

How can people get more involved with current events?

Be intentional. Few have the time, or desire, to be informed about the world around them. Also, it can be VERY difficult to know who to believe. Media bias and flat out lies can make it confusing and frustrating. I encourage people to find someone in the media they trust and listen/read that person. When they discuss something you find interesting, don’t just take off with it. Make the effort to look into it further. At least, get it backed up by one other source.

How do you recommend people do research?

As I mentioned above, take the time to read a story from a few different sources. When stories provide links, follow those links. Go back to the original source whenever possible. Like the Bible, you must go to the source and not let anyone else interpret something for you. When reading a history book, whenever possible, read the original (or as close to it as you can get) documents and not a publication that professors have built upon year after year—slowly and gradually distorting original meaning.

Thanks for sharing some insight into your writing process and about your book, TC. More information about TC’s writing, her blog, and how to purchase her book is listed below. 

TC Avey is a Christian devoted to God, family, and friends. She is passionate about encouraging Christians to live a life dedicated to Christ as well as helping them understand the importance of preserving our national freedoms through knowledge and love. She blogs at Wisdom of a Fool. You can also follow her on Twitter. Her book, The Precipice: When Everything We Know Ends, is available for $2.99 on Amazon. She plans a companion study guide in the future.

Laura Hodges Poole is a freelance writer with dozens of articles, devotions, and short stories in publication. She is a 2014 ACFW Genesis semi-finalist and a 2012 RWA Emily finalist in Christian fiction. Laura is also an Associate Editor with Christian Devotions ministry, as well as a ghostwriter/collaborator. Her passion is encouraging others in their Christian walk through her blog, "A Word of Encouragement." She may be contacted at laurapoole565@gmail.com. Follow her on Twitter @ Laura_Poole.