TOUGH TIMES DON’T LAST...
"Tough times never last, but tough people do" is a popular statement made by the American motivational speaker and author Dr. Robert Schuller in his 1983 book. It means tough seasons of life will come, but they are short-lived and the inner strength you muster while fighting through them remains yours forever.
If you are going through a tough time, know that it will not last forever. And know that if you are tough, you will make it through. What separates the people who make it through the tough times and those who don’t is how they handle it. The people who make it through are the ones who are tough and resilient.
The Bible says concerning King David, ‘Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.’ (2Samuel 3:1)
But what can make people tough to withstand the adversities of their lives? What made King David our example outlast his turbulent beginning? Below we are given some instances: [Courtesy: Karyn Johnstone, 2023]
1.He embraced his inner strength and power during his tough times. As a shepherd lad keeping his Father’s sheep in the dark trenches of Bethlehem, David trusted the Lord to keep and strengthen him (Ps. 23)
2. He acknowledged that he was capable of handling whatever came his way. At only seventeen years old, untrained and unarmed, David faced Goliath and defeated the giant. (1Sam.17). After many wars, he ultimately defeated Israel's incessant enemy - the Philistines (2Sam.5:17-19).
3.He allowed himself to feel the emotions that came up, but did not get stuck in them. Even though David had been anointed as king in place of Saul, he did not despair nor doubt the goal God had made ahead of him. He finally got to the throne as King thirteen years later (2Sam.5:3-4).
4.He reached out for support from others when needed. David sought the help of King Hiram of for supplies when he prepared to build the magnificent temple for God in Jerusalem (2Chr.2:3-4).
5.He took care of himself physically and emotionally. When David and his men became famished in the wilderness, they ate the bread in the temple, a forbidden act, (1Sam.21:6); and also took sustenance from Nabal's wife, Abigail (1Sam.25:25-27).
6.He trusted that he would get through his tough times and come out stronger in the end. The bible says David finally won all his battles, and had rest all around him (1Chr.29:26-28).
But often, when you look back, you realize those tough times didn't last long. They didn't destroy you either. In fact, they do more for you than success or good times can do. There's a reason they say tough times don't last, but tough people do. That's because when you don't give up and don't let up, you become a stronger, more resilient person.
In present day Nigeria, the current economic downturn creating hunger, hopelessness, insecurity, violence, loss of lives and disregard for constituted authority appears unending. However, it's not time to despair but to pray and put greater trust in God to have mercy, forgive us and shorten the period of our suffering.
Hear this: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land". (2Chr. 7:14)
So don't give up but act tough, better days are ahead!
©OO-I
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