Paul wrote by THE SPIRIT in Philippians chapter 4:
13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This verse can provide great encouragement to those of us who suffer distress. You can be assured that distress will come in some form to each of us but the question is how will we deal with it. Do we trust in man or do we place our trust in Christ and Our Heavenly Father? Man’s solutions are temporal whereas FATHER’S solutions are eternal. Jesus did not afflict people but instead removed afflictions. When tests and trials come men grow weak and become unsure yet Jesus remains as our immoveable Rock. Let us place our trust and reliance on the Rock!
19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
When men who are led by the Holy Spirit do come to our assistance, we should acknowledge their actions by praying for them. FATHER uses whomever HE will to bring forth resolution to our affliction and so we should not be surprised when HE brings unexpected men and women to minister to us according to their calling. We should embrace those whom HE sends but understand the glory belongs to HIM alone.
We should be cautioned in placing our trust elsewhere. Technology and medicine are only available to us because FATHER allowed for them to come forth out of HIS Love for us. HE provided all the building blocks for the various remedies being used today. When ministered within one’s calling they are very effective but if ministered from any other motive, they will be less effective.
When in the midst of tests and trials we must seek FATHER and be encouraged by HIS Word. In Psalm 52:
8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.
9 I will praise You forever,
Because You have done it;
And in the presence of Your saints
I will wait on Your name, for it is good.
If you awaken in distress then go to HIS Word and encourage yourself until your peace permeates your entire existence. Is fear gripping your heart, then pray and seek FATHER’S counsel and proclaim HIS goodness in your life. Place your focus on HIM and HIS benefits for HE has brought you this far. Remind yourself of HIS deliverance in the past and the fear will depart from you in short order. In Psalm 27:
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When the wicked came against me To eat up my flesh,
My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear;
Though war may rise against me, In this I will be confident.
David went through many trials and the Psalms helped quiet his soul. Those same Psalms will quiet us as well so let us read them and apply them to our situation. The result will strengthen us and prepare us for the day.