“When” Times

Is it just me, or do you often find that the reality of life has a way of running over the religious doctrine that teaches that, if you’re a Christian, life will always be good or that even if it's not good, you need to pretend that it is? Oh, it’s not often stated that directly, but challenging times, times that make us wonder whether we really are alone in the world, doubts and despair, are often quickly dismissed by well-meaning Christians who interpret these feelings as a lack of faith or spiritual immaturity.

Here’s the truth of the matter, straight from Jesus: “In this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world."

You and I need to know that. There’s power in knowing that. Why? Because often when we have trouble the enemy starts to work on us. Are we in sin? Where did we mess up? What did we do that we shouldn’t have done or not do that we should have done? Yes, sometimes, we are in sin, or we have messed up, or we’ve been lazy or acted when we shouldn’t have. Sometimes we bring trouble on ourselves. But a lot of times, we just have trouble. It’s just a part of life. Things break. People fail us purely out of their own humanity. We get caught up in natural disasters or economic crashes completely not of our making. What then?


Not If, but When

I call these the “when” times, because it’s not a matter of if we will face difficulties but when. These “whens” are coming, so what do we need to know about them when they do?

“But now, this is what the LORD says—he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: ‘Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior …’” Isaiah 43:1–3 (NIV)

The Message paraphrase puts it this way: “But now, God's Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: ‘Don't be afraid, I've redeemed you. I've called your name. You're mine. When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you. When you're in rough waters, you will not go down. When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior.’”

In the “when” times, you and I can know that God is with us as our savior, redeemer, provider, rescuer—anything we need. That’s where the “take heart, I’ve overcome the world” reminder comes into the picture.


You Are Not Alone

Joshua, Moses’ right-hand man, was in a “when” time. Lots of them as a matter of fact. But this particular “when” came with a huge amount of responsibility, pressure, and risk. After wandering around the wilderness for 40 years with Moses and millions of doubting, recently freed Israelites, Moses died.

The figurehead of the nation, the man who sat with God and came back with the Ten Commandments—not once but twice—was gone. The leader through whom God had worked countless miracles of deliverance and provision died, and they didn’t even have his bones to bury, because the Lord took him and buried him in an unknown place.

The Israelites grieved for 30 days, and Scripture records: “Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the LORD knew face to face, who did all those miraculous signs and wonders the LORD sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel” Deuteronomy 34:10–12 (NIV).

So here’s Joshua. His leader—the nation’s leader, unsurpassed prophet and miracle worker—is dead. And who gets to lead the millions who’ve been doubting, murmuring, and complaining, and are now grieving, into the Promised Land? Joshua. Thanks for that, God. No pressure there. This is the same land that was filled with giants in the spies’ report 40 years ago. That’s not changed. It’s still occupied territory. This is an exponentially challenging “when” time.

God understood this. He knew that Joshua was facing a difficult—impossible in his own strength and wisdom—proposition. God knew that Joshua was afraid and doubtful of their chances for success. How do I know this? Because God took the time, not once but three times, to build him up and assure him that God was right in the middle of this “when” and they were guaranteed the victory.

The third time, God said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9 (NIV).

If you’re in a “when” time that seems overwhelming and unsalvageable, I encourage you to read the book of Joshua and all of the ways that God showed out during the “whens.” I promise, you’ll be inspired. But for now, here’s what you need to know about this story:

“So the LORD gave Israel all the land he had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. The LORD gave them rest on every side, just as he had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the LORD handed all their enemies over to them. Not one of all the LORD's good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled,” Joshua 21:43–45 NIV.

Oh, yeah, the people of Israel experienced some “when” times. They met dirt, grime, war, hardships, and defeats along the way to the Promised Land, but when it was all said and done, they had complete victory.


Know This

You, too, will endure some "when" times, but with God—who goes with you anywhere you go—you are empowered with everything you need to handle them: You are more than a conqueror. The one who is in you (God’s Spirit) is greater than anything you may face in the world. No weapon formed against you will prevail. God will never leave you or forsake you.

Because of your faith in Jesus, you are God’s child. And if you and I, who are human, know how to give good gifts to our kids, how much more does God know how to give good things to us when we ask?

Lastly, maybe you’re not the one in a “when” time, but someone you love is. In addition to your prayers for them, what do they need from you? “Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 (NLT). Be there for them through their doubts and fears. Laugh with them and cry with them. Encourage them about the victory that will come through God’s faithfulness and power despite the “when.”

“In this world you will have trouble but take heart, I have overcome the world." That victory is not a matter of if but when!