HARD PLACES

Hard Places
by Antje Hill

The bible is filled with vivid details about the people we consider heroes of our faith. We may have a tendency to think they were ‘special’ or had more access to God than we have. So, God exposed their humanness to us, but also His love for them that never faltered. 
Did you know Abraham lied about who his wife was, calling her his sister? She later caused Abraham to move away from God’s perfect plan for his life, and God waited for his return. Remember when God first chose Moses to do a mighty work for Him? Moses tried to use his handicap of stuttering to bow out of God’s plan. Who can forget David’s lust problems that moved God to a back seat in his life, until he realized God won’t settle for second place. And what about Peter who was so fearful prior to Jesus’ crucifixion that he denied he ever knew Him?

From the beginning of time, life has had its hard places, places that question who reigns in our life. God does not create these hard places, but He uses them to grow us, to point out our dependence on Him. He allows us to choose our response. He has left us instructions in Psalm 32:8: The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (NLT)

As I’ve matured in my faith, I look back at my hard times, some of my own making, and I see God does exactly what He says. He never leaves us alone. He loves us too much. What a Savior!

Antje is a columnist for Parents & Kids Magazine. She and her husband, Richard, spend time between Mississippi and Michigan. Contact