Psalm 40:2, Romans 5:3-5, Psalm 46:10, Isaiah 43

Howard Drummond considers where God is in the midst of trials and challenges

Howard Drummond

I'm not sure if you are familiar with the race called 'Tough Mudder'? One of our young adults recently completed the course, which for him was 12 miles.

The 10-12 mile obstacle course designed by the British Forces comprises of, yes, mud! Dirty, wet, sloppy and perhaps smelly mud. Not to mention other obstacles that are designed to put to the test every part of your mind, soul and of course, your body. The obstacles play on fears of fire, water, electricity and heights.

Personally it's not something that I think I'd consider training for, although I have recently completed my first triathlon and that required a high degree of training.

Psalm 40:2 says, 'He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled from the deep mud. He stood me up on a solid rock to make sure I would not slip'. God knows all about hanging out in mud, clay and dirt and pushing and pulling his people up and out and through and on.

At times, through challenges in life, or the challenge of a Tough Mudder, it can get really tough and a helping hand is needed to get you out of the mud. During my triathlon I discovered that although I had trained to some degree, at some parts during the 26.2 mile cycle ride, I required a helping hand. To be honest it began to get tough. My helping hand came from the lead cyclist and even when I wanted to give up he said, "Ride alongside me. Stay in my slipstream". As I did, he placed his hand in the small of my back and gave a little push for about half a mile or so. When I fell behind a little I got into his slipstream. With gritted teeth I persevered, developed character and gained hope to finish the race.

I love what it says in Romans 5:3-5, 'And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.'

Sometimes it's a little hard to count things all joy and glory in tribulation. But we need to remember that God can use trials for good and also get us out of the muddy pits. He shows up. He sets himself right alongside us.

This doesn't mean that we can do what we like, or purposefully wallow in the mud. But from time to time life may get a little tough and we need a helping hand over some of the obstacles and through the trials; a hand to help us up when we fall, or someone being able to guide us through obstacles. Even when life seems to be going well, we can still need a helping hand along the way to take us away from obstacles.

You know God is right in the midst of us, pushing and pulling and cheering and calling us forward on our journey. Some obstacles may prove difficult to climb, or get over, more than others. Some may be slippery, or dirty, but through such times there is hope. We may continue to slide and slip and reach the bottom of life's muddy ditches and testing puddles, some of which may be of our own doing, but there is still hope.

Life isn't a highway, it's a mud flat, (a flat area of wet soil near the sea). Eating disorders, self-harm, pornography addiction, sexual exploitation, low self-esteem, toxic relationships and a whole host of other ditches can potentially suck you under the water and further into the mud. We need to acknowledge that we need a helping hand with some of these obstacles. Obstacles may be that of not being financially secure, or emotionally stable. It may be facing the prospect of starting a new academic year in a new class or school, or a new job.

I once found out that in order to get out of quick sand, you have to remain still. The more you struggle, the more you are sucked under. In your acknowledgment of feeling that you are being sucked under, remain still for a moment, 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10). I know that this may not be easy, but it forms part of the solution.

If you read Isaiah 43 you will see that God is right in thick of it. He knows the way out. He knows the way through. That's an amazing God.

In Isaiah 43 it says that God created and formed us. God says, "I have redeemed you...you are mine". The mud will not define you and you shouldn't let it stick on you. Running God's way, according to his plan means you are going to win and you will become a champion.

If you have a ditch, obstacle, or a trial, what does it look like? How can you position yourself to ask God to help you out of it, or use it for your good like in Romans 5? Do you need to remain still? Are you trying to run the race alone? Who else can help you, to get alongside you and give you a helping hand along the way?

Remember Romans 5:3-5, 'And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.'