Dear Pacific Union Member:

Whether as the result of natural disasters, accident or sickness, it is easy to wonder where God is in the tough times and easy to get discouraged when He seems too far away. Since all of us go through these rough spots in life, I thought this month I would share with you some encouraging thoughts I have found helpful.

“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4, NLT).

“Our attitude is to be one of pure joy (genuine rejoicing). This is not joyful anticipation for trials. Instead, it is joy during trials. The joy is based on confidence in the outcome of the trial. It is the startling realization that trials represent the possibility of growth … because it centers on God and his presence in our experience” (The Life Application Commentary).

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).

“Into the experience of all there come times of keen disappointment and utter discouragement—days when sorrow is the portion, and it is hard to believe that God is still the kind benefactor of His earthborn children; days when troubles harass the soul, till death seems preferable to life. It is then that many lose their hold on God…. Could we at such times discern with spiritual insight the meaning of God's providences we should see angels seeking to save us from ourselves, striving to plant our feet upon a foundation more firm than the everlasting hills, and new faith, new life, would spring into being...” (Conflict and Courage, p. 213).

“The LORD helps the fallen and lifts up those bent beneath their loads” (Psalms 145:14 NLT).

“To all who are reaching out to feel the guiding hand of God, the moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest. They will look back with thankfulness upon the darkest part of their way.… From every temptation and every trial He will bring them forth with firmer faith and a richer experience” (The Desire of Ages, p. 528).

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony” (John 17:20-21 NLT).

“In the hour of greatest need, when discouragement would overwhelm the soul, it is then that the watchful eye of Jesus sees that we need his help. The hour of man’s necessity is the hour of God’s opportunity. When all human support fails, then Jesus comes to our aid, and his presence scatters the darkness and lifts the cloud of gloom” (Gospel Workers, p. 92).

“But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT).

“Many become the sport of the enemy, because when temptations come, they do not rest in Jesus, but worry themselves out of His arms, and in perplexity lose all their faith and courage. They do not remember that Jesus has helped them out of difficulties in the past, that His grace is sufficient for the daily trials, and that He can help in the present trouble” (Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 349).

Sincerely your friend,

Tom Mostert, President

Pacific Union Conference

P.O. Box 5005

Westlake Village, CA 91361

tmpm3@attglobal.net