Don't Blink

January 15, 2008

By Greg Ebie

Did you ever have a "stare down" when you were a kid? You would look someone in the eye and the first one to blink lost.

What calamity has been staring you down and you just blinked? Perhaps you are facing financial difficulties -- you have lost a job, the creditors are calling, you are filing for bankruptcy. Possibly you are having relational conflict -- your marriage is on shaky ground, your kids are rebelling, you are in a cat-and-dog fight at work. Or maybe you are struggling with an illness -- the doctors only have a bad report, your strength is draining away, the pain won't go away.

Life is full of difficulties, and just because you are a Christian does not mean all your problems will magically go away. On the contrary, things may go from bad to worse! Satan wants to do anything he can to destroy you and your faith in God. However, the Lord will use Satan's schemes to strengthen and prove your faith.

David understood hardship. Saul was looking to kill him, and just when David thought he was safe someone told Saul where he was hiding. How long would this struggle go on? David knew his problems were bigger than he was, so he didn't try to face them in his own strength. David relied upon God to be his help.

"I thank you always that you went into action. And I'll stay right here, your good name my hope, in company with your faithful friends" (Psalm 52:9, The Message).

In every hardship you face, follow David's example. (1) Maintain a heart of thanksgiving; God is on your side. (2) Remain confidant that, even when you don't see it, God is at work to see you through your difficulties and give you the victory. (3) Endure hardship patiently with your confidence in the name of Jesus, the Name above all. (4) Don't isolate yourself, but find strength and encouragement in the company of other believers.

Stop trying to stare down your problems -- let God stare them down.

Your problem just blinked.

-- D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.