I remember a time when I made a plunge I didn’t intend to. Nor did I want to. Matter of fact, it surprised me when I realized where I ended up. Interestingly, I found myself in the very place a guy in Scripture landed. When life gets hard, it can knock the wind out of you. Also, you feel exhausted. Things pile up over your history. Then, you can plunge – and slip from the comfortable place you normally enjoy.
When life gets hard, it’s critical to pro-actively do certain things to re-enter a comfortable, healthy place. Incidentally, that’s what God wants for you. So, let’s look at some helpful action points.
A Relevant Scripture
First, let’s jump right into a very interesting Scripture.
1 Cor. 4:9b-13 [excerpts] says – “We have been made a spectacle to the whole universe, to angels as well as to human beings. We are fools for Christ . . . To this very hour we go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated, we are homeless. We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.”
Oddly, a very interesting passage! The great apostle Paul wrote it. And yes – he’s the guy I found myself in the place he was for awhile.
Listen to this additional Scripture. “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” (2 Cor. 1:8b)
Apparently, Paul and his associates felt similar feelings many of us do when life gets hard.
Unique Perspective When Life Gets Hard
Still, Paul had a unique, helpful perspective. Notice the progression of his thoughts:
First, he admits he feels like a “spectacle to the whole universe!” You know how that feels. When life gets hard, everything seems worse! Paul even “ropes-in” the angels as witnesses to his hardships. - Second, Paul calls himself a “fool” for Christ. Ever felt like that? You’ve tried hard to do the right thing, to hear and obey God. Yet, you deduce you’ve ended up looking like a fool.
- Third, Paul talks about sufferings. Hunger, thirst, inadequate clothing, mistreatment, homelessness. Well, you may not have had that level of suffering, but you’ve suffered. When life gets hard, little things mount up and make a bad scenario worse.
- Fourth, Paul says he still works hard – with his own hands. Isn’t that what you do when life gets hard? You keep going the best you know how. Literally, putting in long hours and mentally doing acrobatics to figure out how to make things shift.
- Fifth, Paul presents an uncommon approach to life. Basically, he says – live the way Jesus did:
- When we are cursed, we bless.
- When we are persecuted, we endure it.
- When we are slandered, we answer kindly.
- Finally, Paul says the most interesting thing. Listen to his own words . . . “We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment.” Truly, this is at the “bottom-of-the-barrel.” Have you been there? Perhaps you are now.
Guess What! There’s Help And Hope
Have you ever made an unintentional plunge like I did? Surprisingly, I discovered most seasoned believers have. Apparently, Paul and his companions had several plunges.
When life gets hard, it’s quite uncomfortable. Especially, if circumstances are unfair or things get twisted. In this place, you struggle with how to respond.
If you’ve ever had a plunge – or perhaps several – you may have many emotions to sort through. I hope you also find yourself leaning into God for wisdom. Sometimes, you even feel the sting of how unfair and unkind life can be.
In these painful times, it’s easy to feel you are forgotten. Or – “what have I accomplished in all my efforts?” Interestingly, you may even feel far from God – though you know for certain He’s right with you.
Sometimes, your skills and intentions are overlooked. Sadly, there are folks who treat you as if you are a step beneath. Pitifully, there are folks who make it their business to misrepresent and malign you to others.
A plunge is real. Unfortunately, it can affect your heart. You know your life has value, but you feel what Paul expressed – “the scum of the earth.” Instinctively, you know that’s not true.
Incidentally, the injustices you’ve suffered, bungled-up – misrepresented facts, broken relationships – all of it wreaks of the enemy.
When Life Gets Hard
You are not alone! Not only does Paul talk about these ideas. Peter also touches on sufferings in 1 Pet. 3. Helpfully, he also includes good action points:
- It’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.
- Don’t fear threats of others.
- Be ready to give a word of hope when asked.
- Keep a clear conscience.
- Be gentle and respectful.
- Importantly, don’t do what others have maliciously done to you. Instead, respond as Jesus always does.
What’s the key Peter offers to deal with a plunge? “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord!” (1 Pet. 3:15) What an interesting statement when you are at the bottom-of-the-barrel. Still, this verse begins to move you back into perspective. And God’s perspective will pull you up and out of every plunge.
Things You Can Do
Things aren’t always as they seem. When God allows your life to become a spectacle – of sorrow, suffering, false judgment, unfair treatment, bottom-of-the-barrel experiences – trust Him more than ever. “In your heart revere Christ as Lord!”
What a great action point.
Jesus is not surprised by your suffering or your plunge. If God has led you, and you have faithfully followed, your plunge just might bring something good to your heart. And interestingly, to others’ hearts.
Your resolve that Jesus is Lord during a plunge sets the tone.
That’s also a great action point.
Additional Action Points
- First, turn to God continually – with all your heart.
- Next, praise Jesus often – whether or not you feel like it.
- Equally, determine to be thankful in your bottom-of-the-barrel experience.
- Finally, tell God your losses. Stay close to Him.
Remember – “The only thing that counts is faith (in God) expressing itself through love (for God.)” (Gal. 5:6b) In other words, your very life centers around God – even in a plunge when life gets hard.
Those are all great action points.
Miracles Can Happen When Life Gets Hard
A plunge can be the very place God plans to bring compassion and training to you.
Remarkably, if you choose to draw close to God during this time, He will do miracles in you that run so deep and are so significant, you’ll do a “double-take” on the other side of this season. And it is a season. “To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” (Ecc. 3:1)
What are some miracles that can happen when life gets hard?
- As already mentioned, God redeems your sufferings – a miracle.
- Difficult seasons, He purifies you and deeply forges God’s character in you. Another miracle.
- Also, God tenderly sifts you to test and establish your character and refine your heart. Yet, another miracle.
- During a difficult time, God helps you grow. Nevertheless, it’s not always possible to see this growth in your suffering . . . until later. A delayed miracle – at least as far as you’re able to recognize it.
- Additionally, fear of man is rendered powerless – if you stay close to Jesus. Add another miracle.
- Further, love of things and experiences becomes less important – when you stay close to God. A critical miracle.
- Finally, you gain wisdom and discernment. God nurtures His character in your heart. Fabulous miracle!
Grow even in difficult conditions!
Application Thoughts And Questions
- Have you ever experienced a plunge?
- In that place, do you come close to Christ and ask Him to work in your heart?
- Additionally, do you let Him begin to help and heal you? God has a brilliant way of milking every drop of good from your sufferings.
- What ideas from this material will you apply when life gets hard?
- Why not journal a prayer to express your love and deep confidence in God’s ability to hold you steady and to lift you up in His timing?
- Is there anything you need to change as you walk by faith, waiting for God to pull you up from a plunge?
- Are you resolved that Jesus is Lord – even when you are in a plunge?
- Finally, are you thanking God for His faithfulness during the season your life has been hard?
* Portions of this content came from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.
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