I am going through a difficult time with no relief in sight. How can I find peace and contentment?

It is natural to go to God for comfort or relief from the difficult situations we face in this life. From strained relationships to life-changing tragedies we do not welcome strife.

To know that God offers more than mere endurance is a powerful truth, one we too often overlook. We encourage you to continue to seek His comfort and strength; we also encourage you to not view the present situation as one which should only be endured until relief comes. We find contentment when we believe there is reason and purpose for our circumstances.

If you are a child of God, you know that your life belongs to God, and nothing can come into your life unless He allows it. Believe that with all your heart, and look about expectantly for what God is doing in and through you. Review the stories of Joseph and Daniel. Both stories reveal marvelous works of God occurring in their suffering. Look also at Paul.

How many were won to a saving knowledge of Jesus because Paul did not wait for all issues to be resolved before he expected to be used; he was used where he was (Acts 16:22-36). And he was able to rejoice and be content regardless of what life brought (see 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and Philippians 4:11-13).

We know that you may be hurting, physically in pain, and tired of the battle. Turn from those things and look at the life of your dear Savior. He was led to the desert, tired, hungry, and scorched by the sun. Look at Him on the way to the cross, once again in pain—through no fault of His own. He understands your suffering, and He will not allow it to be wasted.

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:15-16).

Lift your eyes to the Lord. He has promised to walk with you and to help you to bear this burden (Matthew 11:28-30). He promises that He has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and that He has work for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). Your present days are part of that plan. Pray for solutions; but until they come, let every moment be used to glorify God and to make you more like Christ.

“We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love” (Romans 5:3-5, NLT).

May the God of comfort and peace be your daily strength according to His promise in Isaiah 41:10, which states: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."