Many years ago, I was pressing through a very difficult season in my life. There were only a few people who knew what I was going through, for I kept it very private. One day, I went up for prayer in a church I was visiting, and a lady prayed for me. She knew nothing about my situation but spoke to me from Isaiah 41:10. She said that the Lord was hardening me to difficulties.

The word "hardening" stayed with me as the days passed. I was desperate for any help from the Lord, and if that meant hardening, I would prepare my heart for that!

Recently, that word has come back to me, so I was encouraged to study it out. Here is what I found:

• God strengthens us through trials and uses challenges to build up our strength and maturity.
• This helps us overcome future challenges that once seemed overwhelming with greater ease and fortitude.
• Whether we feel like it or not, God is always for us and never against us.

Ephesians 1:11 (ESV) states that: In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. So, we have a Heavenly Father who works out all things according to His will, which is always good (Romans 8:28).

In this season, God is shaking everything that can be shaken. He is shifting nations and people; it’s a great season of exposing evil and His justice being executed. The day of reckoning is at hand for those who have stood in opposition to the King of Kings.

It’s a time where God is strengthening His body and hardening us to the difficulties in our present times and situations. It is essential as believers to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, for He is our only plumbline (Hebrews 12:2).

It’s easy to become fearful and perplexed by the current events because the intensity of the battle has reached a whole new level. We are in the last days, but the end has not yet come. We are going through the birth pains Jesus warns us about in Matthew 24:6 (KJV): There will be wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes in various places.

We must hold onto the fact that God is sovereign, and His ways are always truth, justice, and love (Psalm 103:19; Psalm 89:14). If we walk in Him and hold onto His word, we will come through to the other side in victory and maturity! If we, like Peter, focus on the winds, we will sink in despair and defeat.

It’s a season to walk by faith and not by sight, to rise higher into the heavenly realm and remain seated with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:7; Ephesians 2:6). We must weigh everything by the word of God. Pray for discernment and understanding and hold fast to what is good (Hebrews 5:14; Proverbs 2:6; 2 Thessalonians 5:21).

Walking with God has never been, nor will ever be, for the faint in heart. He calls us to be warriors and overcomers with His help and assistance (2 Timothy 2:2–4; Romans 8:37). He never leaves us or forsakes us (Deuteronomy 6:31; Hebrews 13:5). We must always remember that the battle ultimately belongs to Him, and when we have done all to stand, we stand (Ephesians 6:13).

He is Lord of all, and everything belongs to Him (Psalm 24:1). Those who choose to walk in arrogance and pride, He will resist (James 4:6). The Bible says the wicked sprout like grass and all evil doers flourish, but they are doomed for destruction forever (Psalm 92:7).

Our God wishes that none should perish, so He is longsuffering, waiting for men to turn and repent (2 Peter 3:9). So, now we see the shaking and sifting so men will turn from their wicked ways to the living God.

I encourage you, if you are going through a difficult time, to keep persevering, for God will perfect that which concerns us (Psalm 138:8). That includes everything!

Even in great tribulation, if we hold unto Him and His word, we will overcome and be a mature bride ready to rule and reign with Him for all eternity (2 Revelation 9:7). So, my friends, walk on in faith!!

Song:

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for Your lovingkindness and faithfulness. I ask that You strength us today, and everyday, to walk strong in You and the power of Your might. We thank You for being sovereign over all and working out all things for our good. May we yield to You and not lean on our own understanding as we acknowledge You to direct our path. Help us to not walk in the spirit of fear but in love, power, and a sound mind. Thank You for making us into a bride without spot or wrinkle, into overcomers who will reign with You in Your kingdom through all eternity! May our hearts be filled with hope as we anticipate the day of Your return, for You truly are the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! In Jesus Name we pray, AMEN.

Key Scriptures

Here are some additional Scriptures about God's Sovereignty and Control over all:

• 1 Corinthians 10:13
• Ephesians 1:11
• Romans 8:28
• Revelations 4:11
• Hebrews 1:3
• Daniel 4:35
• Proverbs 16:4
• Psalm 24:1
• Genesis 1:1
• Colossians 1:16–17
• John 3:1–36
• Matthew 19:26
• Matthew 10:29
• Amos 3:6
• Proverbs 21:1
• Psalm 115:3