This post was originally featured in our Signs of the Times newspaper from Winter, 2013
Being a pastor of a local church I find that many people are going through very difficult times. People are struggling with life
itself. The cost of everything is beginning to climb, danger seems to be everywhere even in our schools. Jobs are more and more difficult to find. Maybe a serious illness has invaded their life or the future of their children is a concern.
Jesus speaks of a time when “men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth” (Luke 21:26). Jesus told us that in this life we would have tribulation (pressure) (John 16:33).
The pressures of life are causing people to make decisions that at other times they would not make. Are you one of those people described, are you looking for help for yourself, or your loved one? Are you looking for a helping hand in a time of trouble? I want you to know, I have been there, and I did what countless others have done before me, I cried out to God. I didn’t know Jesus at the time, I didn’t know what I know now, “that God is our refuge and strength, and a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). All I knew was that my family and I needed help, I didn’t know where else to turn, so I cried out to God.
There was a man named Ezra in the Bible, and he had a very difficult task to perform, he was under heavy pressure and he did exactly what we are talking about for him and his family he called on the Lord his God.
Ezra 8:21-23 –Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.
Moses was under great pressure from the people he was leading, so he inquired of the Lord to meet his need and God revealed Himself to be faithful. Numbers 11:23– And the LORD said to Moses, “Has the LORD’s hand been shortened? Now you shall see whether what I say will happen to you or not.” When the pressure of life becomes too much to handle, call out to the Lord and I believe that you will see that His hand is extended towards you, to help you in your time of need.
