I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

---

Circumstances can be overwhelming at times. Financial reversals, disheartening health diagnoses, family fractures, and other troubling situations may cause a sense of disorientation or hopelessness. People generally experience some type of uncertainty, hurt, pain, fear, worry, loss, or loneliness at various stages of life. Sometimes the intensity of those feelings can cloud your vision of the loving God you serve, and it may seem as though the negative has taken over. However, the Lord says that in all circumstances, He is working for your good! He is the Master of your circumstances.

God is doing a transformative work within you, helping you develop endurance and strength of character, giving you confidence in the hope of His salvation, growing you into spiritual maturity so that you might be complete in Him, not lacking anything (James 1:4). He is ultimately working in your circumstances to make you more like Jesus (1 Peter 2:5). The Spirit of the Living God builds you into a new creature who rises up, boldly believing in His promises when circumstances appear unstable. He will mold you into His likeness (1 Peter 1:16) and provide you with the type of trust Jesus displayed in the Father as He lived and ministered on this earth.

Embrace the fact that, through Christ, you can overcome your circumstances. When you feel overwhelmed, look to Him to raise you up. View every storm, every difficult situation, every pain, as a move in which He will bring about your good and His glory. Consider each situation as an opportunity to offer Him praise for bringing you through, for teaching, and for maturing you. Pray for believers in government who grapple with discouragement, that they would rely on the Lord for the strength and confidence they need.