Navigating Hardships While Following God’s Will
And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. (Genesis 12:10, KJV)
Have you ever faced difficulties despite knowing you are in God’s will? It’s a common misconception that being in God’s will guarantees a smooth path. However, Biblical narratives reveal a different reality – being in God’s will is often accompanied by significant challenges.
Consider Abraham’s journey. God called him to leave his homeland and go to Canaan (Genesis 12:1). Abraham obeyed but was soon met with a severe famine in Canaan. This did not deter him; he did not return to his homeland. Although he moved to Egypt, he avoided one major mistake—returning to his home country. Abraham’s steadfastness in adversity illustrates that challenges do not negate God’s will; they test our faith and resilience.
Similarly, Isaac, Abraham’s son, faced his own set of trials. Despite God’s divine intervention in hand-picking Rebekah as his wife (Genesis 24), they encountered the challenge of infertility. Isaac’s response was not of doubt or inaction. He actively sought God’s intervention, as seen in Genesis 25:21: “And Isaac intreated the Lord for his wife, because she was barren: and the Lord was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.” This teaches us the power of prayer and persistence in God’s will, even when circumstances seem dire.
In the New Testament, we find Peter’s experience of walking on water, a direct response to Jesus’ Word—God’s will and command (Matthew 14:29). Despite starting confidently, Peter became overwhelmed by the waves around him and almost drowned in God’s will and in Jesus’s presence. This incident reminds us that even whenever we step out of faith to obey the Word, we often encounter troubles and resistance initially instead of cheers and victories. Yet, in these moments, our faith is called to action.
These Biblical examples underscore a critical lesson: entering God’s will is often the beginning of a journey marked by trials initially, but victory is assured if we do quit. These challenges are not signs of God’s absence but are opportunities to deepen our faith and reliance on Him. They test our willingness to trust God’s plan and persevere.
Meditate
Reflect on other Biblical characters who faced challenges while in God’s will. What were their responses, and what can you learn from them?
Apply the Word
When you step into God’s will, be prepared for the inevitable storms. Stand firm in faith, persist in prayer, and continue to seek God’s guidance until His will is fulfilled in your life.
Pray
Ask for God’s strength to remain steadfast in His will, especially in the face of trials and uncertainties.
Recommended
- Why Did Job Suffer? A Must-Read
- But when Peter saw the Wind Boisterous, He was Afraid
- Hope Against Hope
- Do not be ignorant of Satan’s devices
- We Wrestle Not Against Flesh and Blood
- View All Deshen Daily Devotionals
Free Mini E-book: From Spiritual Dryness to Flourishing
