Bear Sized Problems

 

A story is told of two hunters that came across a bear so big that they dropped their rifles and ran for cover.  One man climbed a tree while the other hid in a nearby cave.  The bear was in no hurry to eat, so he sat down between the tree and the cave to reflect upon his good fortune.  Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, the hunter in the cave came rushing out, almost ran into the waiting bear, hesitated, and then dashed back in again.  The same thing happened a second time.  When he emerged for the third time, his companion in the tree frantically called out, "Woody, are you crazy?  Stay in the cave until he leaves!"  "Can't," panted Woody, "there's another bear in there."

Do you ever feel like you are caught between a rock and a hard place?  Or maybe it feels more like being trapped between two bears.  There are certainly times in life when everything comes crashing down at once.  Problems, struggles, and difficulties come one after another and leave us feeling overwhelmed.  When these problems come our way, let’s remember some of the encouraging messages from God.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”

James 4:8a – “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

Matthew 6:25, 33 – “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?... But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Even though it may not feel like it at times, God takes care of His people.  This doesn’t mean we won’t face problems in life, but at the very least we know that when we stay faithful to the Lord we can reach the place where God will take care of us eternally.  So, next time we face bear sized problems, let’s remember some of the encouraging messages from God.