When in the Throes of Trouble's Woes

First the snow startled me,

 then it enchanted me...

before it melted in the kiss of the sun!

Life is like weather...

unpredictable and ever-changing!

Sometimes favourable and at other times not what we would choose!

Weather and circumstance are often beyond our control

but we are always in control of our response!

Whether the weather be fine,
Or whether the weather be not,
Whether the weather be cold,
Or whether the weather be hot,
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather,
Whether we like it or not!

Today's devotion (shared below) is a timely reminder 

that hope is not fixed on something superficial

but on Someone eternal and omnipotently able!

Rom.4:18 NIV

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed 

and so became the father of many nations, 

just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

As much as we recognize it is not in the good weather/times, but in trying circumstances

 we prove the authenticity of Hope (esp. when it is against all hope)

as faith matures we realize we will not stand firm in trying times 

if faith is not 'proven steadfast'  in 'sunny' weather; weather in which

we may be tempted to lay our armour aside and let down our guard!!

***

When in harsh throes we face faith's foes with deliberate diligence

When we can see the enemy we wield faith's weapons of defense

When rivals rage then faith engages the whole armour of the Lord

His pow'r and might fits us to fight with shield of faith and Spirit's sword

To guard and gird us with God's Word; without which we are doomed to fail

For we know not, then, how we ought to pray in shadows of death's vale

But when the hour is like a bow'r of blossoms and the sun is warm

When breezes dance, then guarded stance is apt to grow lax in its form

And treasure worldly pleasure more than seeking the kingdom of God

When storms subside, beware of pride and feet that are not gospel-shod

For sin sets snares in hasty prayers and beds of roses, fit for kings 

Where faith would not enter our thought if we could see and know all things 

Trust in the Lord; His faithful Word, no matter what befalls, abides 

When in the throes of trouble's woes, remember this; His love provides

All that we need; He does not lead us into battle, unequipped 

His pow'r and might will help us fight when Self is of its tactics stripped 

Yielding control by faith made whole as we relinquish all but He

Whose High Command will help us stand, no matter what the charge may be 

Janet Martin

After we put on the armour detailed in 

Eph.6, verse 18 sums up our Christian combat in this;

...praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, 

being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—