[Wednesday's Devotional] - Bad Times

After that bright start to the week I have to admit that things are not always that good. Actually we all have to face some bad times as we go through life. It may be the loss of our job, and at present there are too many facing that situation, or some illness which takes all our energy away – both mental and physical. It may be that we are in a situation that we really don't like but can't see a way out of. Whatever the cause we find ourselves in a position we don't like and are not happy with.

Many years ago I had my own company. I worked hard, sometimes long hours, but the rewards were good. Then the supplier of most of my work decided they would do the work in house in future. With no chance of replacing the work lost my company had to close down, and making yourself redundant is not a nice thing to do. That was definitely the worst, but there have been a few other bad times too along the way.

So, when the bad times come who are you going to call? No, not "Ghost Busters". They won't be able to help at all. When I faced my worst time I had no-one to turn to. I had made my bed, as they say, and I had to lie on it. I knew there was a god but had nothing to do with him. Yet somehow I survived and things began to fall into place even when I thought I had no chance. That's happened a few times in my life and having 'found' God finally I can see more clearly. Just when my efforts seemed so futile He has pulled the rabbit out of the hat again. And here I am, up and running again – and still smiling.

So when you're weary, feeling small, things are bad, no hope at all. Trust in the Lord, take your problems to him. Then do your best and be patient, He is on your side and things can turn around when you least expect it.

Jim Finch