Sometimes it feels like our trial and challenges will never end. In this episode of A Faithful God Podcast, I'm teaching you how to get through the hard times with a 4-step battle plan cheatsheet to help you walk it out.
Can we just state the obvious, and get it out of the way?
Sometimes life really stinks.
It throws unexpected challenges our way, often making us feel like we’ll never make it out; that our situation is impossible to overcome.
And when someone quotes another Bible verse when you’re in the midst of the battle, it often feels like just another platitude; a band-aid that does nothing to ease the fear and worry.
If you’re thinking, “Yes! That’s exactly how I feel,” then you’re in the right place.
In today’s show, I’m teaching you how to take one of my favorite Bible passages and apply it in a way that actually helps.
We’ll explore the 4-step battle plan King Jehoshaphat used and learn how to put it into action.
Plus, I’ve got a FREE Battle Plan Cheatsheet PDF you can download and tuck in your purse or pocket so you always have it.
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How to Get Through Hard Times
In today’s show, I’m diving into 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20 to uncover how King Jehoshaphat faced an army he knew he’d never be able to win.
We’ll uncover…
- a 4-step battle plan we can use in our hard times.
- how to practically apply it to our lives.
- how I recently used this exact roadmap in my own life.
Seek God in Hard Times
When hard times hit, our natural instinct is to seek solutions on our own or consult friends and family for the answers.
While these actions sometimes have their place, our first step should always be to seek God first. This means turning to Him in prayer and, what I like to call, “make that ask.”
Ask our Father for His wisdom and guidance. Just like King Jehoshaphat, you can let Him know you can’t do it on your own.
“Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.” 2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT
Seeking God first is about acknowledging that we can’t handle life’s battles on our own.
It’s an act of surrender, letting go of control, and recognizing that we need his help to make it through.
Through prayer, we lay our concerns, fears, and burdens at His feet, and ask for wisdom and the strength to make it through.
Surrender the Battle in Hard Times
One of the most challenging parts of trials and challenges is realizing that the battle isn’t yours to fight alone.
And let’s face it, we want the answers and solutions, and we want them right now. So we immediately jump into action to fix the problem on our own.
This step involves acknowledging that God is our ultimate protector and problem-solver.
Oh don’t get me wrong, my friend. This isn’t easy stuff.
It takes a lot of practice.
In fact, when you first begin to turn to God in hard times, you’ll likely have to do it over and over again.
You’ve got to be persistent and consistent as you CHOOSE to give the battle to Him.
We’ll dive into 2 Chronicles, Chapter 20 to see King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah facing an overwhelming enemy force, and their only course of action was to turn to God in prayer.
They admitted their inability to handle the situation alone, declaring, “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
And as only our amazing Father does, He reminds us of Whose battle it is.
“ He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
Stand Firm on God’s Word in Hard Times
Standing firm on God’s Word is a crucial step in our battle plans. But the truth is, when we’re facing our biggest challenges, a lot of us are too consumed by fear and worry to stay focused on reading the Bible.
But it’s in these times where we must CHOOSE to get into the Bible.
Oh, I don’t mean you have to lock yourself away in a closet for hours on end.
You can…
- Listen to a Christian Podcast on your way to work or your morning walk.
- Jump on YouTube and listen to Bible verses that are read to you.
- Jump on the Gloridy App and listen while you’re folding clothes or dropping the kids off at school. (Bonus: this is a great way to teach the kiddos the importance of getting into God’s Word every day.)
- Take your Bible to the kid’s practice and read a few verses while you’re waiting for them.
Standing firm on God’s Word means holding onto the promises and guidance found throughout scripture.
It offers wisdom, comfort, and encouragement as you’re going through hard times, so you must be diligent about getting into The Word in your trials and challenges.
Promises like “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5) and “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7) provide a strong foundation for your faith.
By standing firm on God’s Word and repeating Christian Affirmations based on Bible verses, you’ll remind yourself that you’re not alone and have God’s unwavering strength to rely on.
Praise Him and Declare Victory in the Hard Times
Praise is a powerful weapon in our battle plan. Even in the midst of hard times, praising God and declaring His victory can shift our perspective and strengthen our faith.
In the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, the people of Judah faced their enemies with a group of singers and musicians leading the way in praise. They declared God’s victory over their circumstances before they went to battle.
“After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: “Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!” 2 Chronicles 20:21
And this incredible act of praise led to a miraculous outcome as their enemies turned on each other.
“At the very moment they began to sing and give praise, the Lord caused the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir to start fighting among themselves.” 2 Chronicles 20:22
It’s important to note that praising God and declaring His victory may not always result in an immediate change in your circumstances, but it will transform your mindset and perspective.
It reminds you of God’s power and faithfulness.
Even when the hard times keep beating you down, your praise can be a declaration of trust and assurance in God’s ultimate victory.
Your 4-Step Battle Plan for Hard Times
Navigating life’s challenges isn’t always easy, but with a well-structured battle plan, you can find success and strength, even when everything feels like it’s falling apart.
Start by seeking God first, recognizing that the battle isn’t yours to fight alone. Stand firm on His Word, and don’t forget the power of praising Him and declaring His victory.
With this FREE 4-step Battle Plan Cheatsheet, you’ll discover the resilience to face life’s challenges with confidence, knowing that you’re not alone and that the ultimate victory belongs to God.
In your darkest moments, remember these steps, and let them be your guide to triumph over your trials.
Simply sign up below, and I’ll get your Battle Plan Cheatsheet right out to you.
How to Get Through Hard Times
- 00:00 Introduction
- 05:17 When our fears and worries start to spiral
- 07:13 Step one in your battle plan
- 13:25 Step two in your battle plan
- 18:08 Step three in your battle plan
- 19:00 Step four in your battle plan
- 22:29 How I used this personal battle plan in my own life
- 35:56 How you can use this battle plan
- 38:31 Free Battle Plan Cheat Sheet
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Mentioned in TODAY’S show
Free Thankful in God Scripture Challenge
Episode #91 – How to be Thankful in the Hard Times
Learning how to put our complete trust in God isn’t easy. We say we trust God, but what we really mean is that we trust Him for what we want, when we want it. At Footprints of Inspiration we uncover who you are and why you were created; how to walk in healing through forgiveness; and how to go before the Lord with confidence. Through this journey, you’ll discover that it truly is possible to experience peace, even in the hardest times in your life.
Tammy Rotzoll is the founder and owner of Footprints of Inspiration and podcast host at A Faithful God Podcast (which can be found on your favorite podcast player). She lives in Virginia with her husband and together they’re learning how to navigate their fun, new adventure as empty nesters.
Join Tammy and the FOI community and discover the freedom that comes from saying, “Heck yeah, God! I’m all in!”