It is very important for us to find strength in difficult times. I really like this quote from Mikaela Shiffrin, U.S. Olympic Skiing Champion… “Things you don’t expect come up, and you have to adapt. You can’t let it throw you off. You have to cope. Those are really valuable skills in life and racing.” That is so true for us too. Here are some some valuable skills we can develop and do to help us cope:

-One of the surprising things we can discover about ourselves, especially during a prolonged difficult experience, is learning how we can adapt and adjust along the way.

-The process of changing our pace and daily routine and schedule.

– Learning to focus on the the things we can do instead of being distracted about what we can’t do at the present time.

-Acceptance of “It is what it is” for now, and making the best of it in the meantime.

In our instant gratification culture, there is a tendency for us to panic and give up on our faith too soon. Don’t let these difficult times do that. Our strength and confidence needs to be placed more in the Lord than just our limited ability to cope with unpredictable circumstances. Here are some encouraging words for us today:

-“The Lord is my Strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” – Exodus 15:2 (NKJV)

-“The Lord God is my Strength, He will make my feet like a deer’s feet, and He will make walk on the high mountains.” – Habakkuk 3:19 (NKJV)

-“You will get through this. It won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. Don’t be foolish or naive, but don’t despair either. With God’s help, you will get through this.” – Max Lucado

We will get through this with God’s Help and Strength today and in the days ahead…

because ”Christ gives me strength to face anything.” -Philippians 4:13 (CEV)