One thing I've learned is that there are many ways of handling tough situations. I've gone the route of "putting off" in hopes that the Lord would miraculously take a tough situation away. But since that usually doesn't work, here's what I've learned: God expects us to take the first step in the right direction--the step of faith.

 

Here's an example from God's Word. . .Israel was ready to take possession of the Promised Land. But a king by the name of Sihon stood in their way. God's command was, "Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle" (Deuteronomy 2:24). The Lord could have just taken Sihon out of the equation, but He commanded Israel to take the first step. The first step was activating their faith--trusting that the Lord would give them what He had promised no matter who or what stood in their way.

 

The same is true of you and me today. No matter what difficulties we might face in this year that will seem to defy solution the Lord says, "Begin!" We must make the first move, activate our faith, motivate our expectation, concentrate our belief and stimulate our trust in God and His promises. Then and only then will we face tough situations head-on and CONQUER THEM!