Struggles in life are not a matter of ‘if they will happen’, but when. Undoubtedly you have had days when it seems nothing goes right and everything is going wrong. Whether your car broke down, you’ve fought with your best friend, or your only credit card was just rejected…we all have struggles in life. Perhaps we find that there’s more in the words as we sing, “Troublesome times are here”. We know we’ll face trials but the question comes in how you will deal with these struggles. What will be your attitude and how will you react when you faced with difficulties; large or small?
If you are honest with yourself there are really only a couple of choices you will make as you face any of these struggles. You might decide you have to bear down and work harder to ‘turning things around’. Or you might become despondent and give up all together. But are these my only choices? Is there any other way to face ‘trials dark on every hand’? Consider with me another option (yes, an old hymn) as you face difficult times.
William Cowper was a song writer in the late 1700’s. He often struggled with self-doubt and deep depression. It was reported that one night, in the dregs of depression he decided he would end his life. He determined that he would commit suicide by drowning himself. In his despair he called for a cab (horse and buggy) and instructed the driver to take him to the Thames River. However, in the thickness of the fog the driver was prevented from finding the river. (Another version of this story is told in that the driver, aware of Cowper’s fit’s with depression, deliberately 
got lost.) Nevertheless, after driving for a while, the cabby finally brought the carriage to a stop and let Cowper out. To his surprise, Cowper found himself back home, on his own doorstep. From his view point, and in his darkest of hours, God had sent the fog to preserve his life.
Could this be my ‘other option,’ to just wait for God to intervene and step into my life? Part of this is true; God will step in and intervene in our life during our struggles. But we must never be content to ‘just drive around in a fog’ expecting God to just take us home. He will bring us home, but only after we have given Him our lives. God sincerely cares for us, even in our blackest moments, the knowledge that He is watching over us will strengthen our life in Christ; but God expects us to daily move closer to Him. Read the words written by William Cowper following that foggy night. Take notice of verse 3 & 5 and realize struggles come. Praise be to God…He is faithful!
1) God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
2) Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.
3) Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
4) Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
5) His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.
6) Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.
