Overwhelmed by Hard Times?
The USS Nautilus left for an assignment below the ice frozen waters of Alaska on August 1, 1958 (the year I was born, by the way). Commander Bill Anderson took the sub and its crew under the Arctic ice cap at 500 feet for its maneuvers. Ice ranging from 10-50 feet thick kept the sub from the surface above. Two days later, the sub and its crew of 116 resurfaced. They were the first to reach the North Pole, from below.
The USS Nautilus’ trip to the North Pole was not its first mission. The boat had sailed many times, overcame challenges, completed missions, and even set other records. Most of us will never have that sort of adventure. But it does not take going below solid ice for days to make us feel trapped in difficult and often impenetrable situations. That can happen from procrastination, poor choices, an overly busy schedule, grief or sorrow, or giving into temptation.
Some of the first century Christians felt similarly. Paul and Timothy, leaders in the early church, felt overwhelmed by hard times. They said they were “under great pressure, far beyond their ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:18-22). But they knew several things that helped them endure their tough circumstances:
First, they said, “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves, but God” (2 Cor 1:8). When you find yourself “submerged” in or under tough times, you may be tempted to pull away from God. Paul said they were going to rely on God, and not their own efforts to resurface.
Second, they said, “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril and He will deliver us (2 Cor 1:10). Paul remembered previous times when God had helped them through tough times, and knew they could rely on God once again. If God could delivered Paul and Timothy again and again, why could He not help you?
Third, Paul said, “You help us by your prayers” (2 Cor 1:11). You often do not realize it, but many are praying for you – a parent, friend, colleague, or even a Apple user like me. Scripture says even Jesus and the Holy Spirit are interceding for you today (Hebrews 7:25, Romans 8:26).
You may face circumstances and feel submerged deeper than you feel you can handle. In those times, remember that it is never too cold or dark for God to reach you. Cultivate your knowledge of God regularly so you know who to turn to in trouble or peril. Read the Psalms – five a day x 30 days can get you through them in a month. Reach out for God today. Grow devotionally. No depth or barrier is too hard for God’s deliverance.
Mike O.
