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Scriptural Reference:
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
Isaiah 58:11

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you ...
Deuteronomy 31:6

Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Hebrews 13:15

But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
1 Corinthians 15

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding
Proverbs 3:5

Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning
Joel 2:13


Reflection:
When trials and challenges come our way we have an inner strength that will guide, strengthen and prepare us. Here are eight things we can do to find that strength and guidance in times of conflict.

Seek the Lords Guidance
As a Christian we should be continually seeking God in our daily walk. Yet there are times when we should really focus our thoughts towards God so as to draw him as close as we can. In times when our faith is being tested we need to seek guidance through prayer as well as through his Holy Word the Bible. It is vital to seek understanding through God Word, even when it seems difficult at the time. Trying to solve the problem on our own will only create more problems. But returning to the Bible will give us the understanding and courage needed to face life's challenges. It is though prayer we are able to connect to God and receive the strength and words of wisdom, encouragement and direction God has for us. All this found within the Scriptures.

Be Strong and of Good Courage
When our faith is being tested, in times or trials and trouble, it's important that we stay strong and filled with good courage. The book of Joshua tells us to do this. To "Be strong and of good courage". We have with us the strength of God that gives courage to pour hearts no matter what we may face. Even in the worse situation we can rely on God to provide us with a solution. With inner strength and courage we may stand up to any conflict.

Start Praising and tart Worshipping God
When faced with an attack on our faith or our safety we may find it hard to praise and worship God. Yet this is the most important time to do so. WE need to never forget that everything that we encounter will bring us closer to our Lord and Saviour. So the best time to start worshipping and praising God is when our faith is being put to the test. Praise and worship is more then a feel good therapy, it is our willingness to put our whole heart into trusting God to always be there for us.

Remember that God gives us Victory over the Problems we face
Throughout the Bible we can read of the victory that God can give us as long as we trust in him to do so. Joshua gained victory against overwhelming odds. Such as when sieging Jericho, God provided a victory. WE may know about this Old testament story, but have we put the principles in it to work in our lives? Dealing with a range of issues in our lives such as, depression, loneliness, defeat and despair can make us feel dumbfounded and unprepared. We need to remind ourselves that God can give us the victory in any situation as soon as we let go and let God. In some ways we can see how Jericho can represent the things in our lives such as our fears, defeats, anxieties and deceit, that have filled us with dread. Like an unpassable wall between where we are and where we need to be. God know the only way to push on. Let God fill you with his plans for victory.

Be around those who will Uplift you
As Christians we also find our strength in numbers It's important that we fellowship with others who have called Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour. In this company of the faithful we will find solace and encouragement. Through the act of shared prayer, support and witnessing we are able to grow as believers. This communion of believers should be a regular activity we embrace every day. Yet when our faith is sorely tested we need to call together and find comfort among those who are there for us as we are for them. Lifting up the difficult situation to the Lord. As they guide and comfort you.

Trust God
Focusing our minds on the things that feel threatening can distract us from the source of all our strength. What is vitally needed is to focus on how God is able to help us. We need to remember His goodness for us at all times. We can find that our thoughts and our hearts can be filled with peace and contentment. We need to shift our thoughts from the dire situation and onto God The word Trust goes hand in hand with Hope. As we focus on trusting God we will find we have hope for a resolution to our predicament.

Fast
Fasting may not high on any list of tools Christians my consider. But it has a powerful impact on us. The very act of fasting creates in our bodies a sense of importance. As well as a focus to our thoughts. The Bible tells us of many who fasted and found their help from God. Fasting is not a quick fix solution and takes time. Perhaps this is why some prefer to avoid it. But with time comes wisdom and the act of fasting can bring this. Essentially, by fasting, we come closer to God with the urgency of our requests. We set our desire to connect with God above everything else. We earnestly pray body and soul.

When face with a challenge to our faith or a challenge to our well being, we need never confront it blindly. As Christians we are more then ready and prepared to stand. For the Lord will make us to stand.


Prayer:
Heavenly Father,
In times of trouble and strife,
When there seems no escape.
When people are against me.
When life seems the darkest.
When all hope seems lost.
I turn to you,
My calm in the storm.
My guide through the maze.
My fortress of safety
My light onto wisdom.
My hope and my Saviour.
I thank you.
Amen