Trouble surrounds us, danger lurks at every junction of our lives, and bad things readily happen to all kinds of people. Chronic pain (physical, emotional, and spiritual) continually gnaws at our souls and makes us anxious. Disappointment visits even solid relationships, and paths that appeared straight and comfortable take a sudden and violent turn. Some problems are simply beyond our control.

But we are encouraged. Why? Because there is opportunity to to walk THROUGH the problem. You will not be in this situation forever. I believe God will bring me THROUGH this cancer. It may take a number of months or a couple of years or maybe a lifetime. But it won’t last forever. Whatever problem burdens you won’t stay the same forever. One opportunity of an unsolvable problem is the perspective of hope.

And we are encouraged because we are not alone! If God has provided you with friends, family, or mentors to walk with you through life’s most challenging problems, be thankful. But unlike all others, Jesus is a friend who will never leave you even if it seems He abandoned you. He alone has the power to walk with you through the darkest valleys of your life. His power, His grace, His perspective, His comfort, His strength, His comfort, His peace, love, joy, and hope. . . These are available to anyone who simply believes in Him and submits their life to Him. Of course He is a gentleman and will not force Himself upon us. We can choose to live in the problem or try to solve it by our own efforts, or we can rely on His power and mercy to sustain us through the problem.

Can’t see the opportunity in your problem? There is someone who can help.

“Yea though I walk THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4