--HANDLING DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES ~~
---(Philippians 3:8-11/ please read)

--THE APOSTLE PAUL UNDERSTOOD how to handle tough circumstances. Even while confined in a prison cell, he kept his eyes on Christ and trusted firmly in the Savior. Therefore, despite being in chains, he was able to celebrate the Lord's work in his life. In fact, the epistle he wrote from jail to the Philippians was filled with rejoicing and praise (1:18;2:18;3:1).

Focusing on Christ is neither a natural reaction nor an easy one. Our instinct is to dwell on the situation at hand, searching for solutions or stewing over the pain and difficulty. As a result, troubles look insurmountable and overwhelm us with a sense of failure.

However, fear and defeat can't live long in a heart that trusts the Lord. I'm not saying you will forget what you're going through, but you can choose to dwell on His provision and care instead. He is the Deliverer (2 Cor. 1:10), He is the Healer (Jer. 17:14). He is the Guide (Prov. 3:6). And He is "I AM". (Exodus 3:14). He never changes. The believer who lays claim to divine promises discovers that God pushes back negative emotions. In their place, hope, confidence, and contentment take up residence (Phil 4:11). You aren't going to be happy about any difficult situation, but you can be satisfied that God is in control and up to something good in the midst of trouble.

The Lord's principles and promises don't change, no matter how severe or painful the situation is. Focus on Christ instead of the circumstances--God will comfort your heart and bring you safely through the trial. Then you will be ready to answer Paul's call to "rejoice in the Lord always." (v.4).
--IN TOUCH~~
[MOSES AT THE BURNING BUSH =
-Moses said to God, "Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they say to me, 'What is His name?' what shall I say to them?"

And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.'~~
--Exodus 3:13-15)]
<https://youtu.be/y_VR-zwp2KA>