Tag Archives: finding God in tough times

August 12, 2026 · 5:47 AM

Our Advocate

I was doing some research and asked, “When would someone need an advocate?” The answer was simple. It said that when a person’s own strength, clarity and ability isn’t enough. It went on to say that someone needs an advocate when they can’t speak for themselves, defend, guide or comfort themselves. Immediately I started thinking of times in my life when I felt each of those things. Some of the darkest times of my life came to mind. Then I started thinking of others who have been walking through some tough times. It turns out we all need an advocate when we come to the end of our own abilities.

A few hours before Jesus would be arrested and crucified, He was trying to prepare the disciples for the chaos that was about to ensue. Their world was about to be shattered and they wouldn’t understand what was happening. In John 14:6, Jesus told them, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), to be with you forever” (AMP). As they were about to go through the darkest time of their life, He sent them the Holy Spirit to comfort, advocate and intercede for them. They wouldn’t understand receive counsel and strength from the Holy Spirit as well to endure the hardships they were going to face. Jesus didn’t leave them or us alone to face this world. Instead He sent us the advocate we all need.

Jesus continued in verse 27, “Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]” if you’re going through something today where you don’t have the strength to fight your own battle, you’re scared of an unknown future or your ability isn’t enough for the moment, take heart. You have an Advocate who will counsel, strengthen, comfort and intercede for you. He will also give you peace to calm you in the storm and walk with you through the toughest challenges. The Holy Spirit isn’t a reward for those who have it all together. He was sent as God’s Provision for those who don’t. Reach out in prayer and ask Him to advocate for you today.

Photo by You Le on Unsplash

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January 29, 2024 · 5:36 AM

The Rough Road

One of the things I hear a lot of people say when they go through a tough time is that they must not be in God’s will. God’s path for our lives isn’t always the easy one. Tough times doesn’t mean you have angered God or turned His wrath toward you. There are times He takes us through the sunless valley of the shadow of death. There are times when the road He takes you down is in the wilderness where you feel like you can’t feel Him or through waters that are too deep and it feels like you’re drowning. If He always took you through green pastures, your faith would never grow. The rough roads are where we learn to trust Him even when we can’t feel Him.

In the book of Exodus, God displays His mighty power for both the Egyptians and Israelites to see. He then set them free from their captor and immediately led them into the desert. Not long after, they felt cornered at the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army pinning them down. Were they out of God’s will? No. God protected them from the army and then parted the water. The road then

led them through the wilderness where they experienced hunger and thirst. Even though they experienced hardship, they were still in His will and on His path. Remember, He provided manna there, brought water from the rock, led them with a cloud by day and a fire by night. Their clothes and shoes also never wore out. In the wilderness, God was still providing for them as He led them to the Promised Land.

Psalm 77:19 says, ”Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen“ (ESV). God’s way is always the best way, but it’s not always the easy way or the quickest. He cares more about your growth than your comfort. When we go through deep waters where we can’t see His footprints to lead us, it causes our roots to grow deeper in Him. It causes us to spend more time in prayer and our faith finds a new level. The times in our lives when we draw closest to God are usually times where we feel like we’re going under and can’t breathe. You are not necessarily off His path or out of His will when you experience these things. Don’t look for blame in these moments. Instead, look for His presence. He is there leading you, guarding you and providing for you when the road gets rough. Your Promised Land is just ahead.

Photo by Brian Wangenheim on Unsplash

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