12 FOUNDATION STONES—CLASS 11B THREE STEPS TO VICTORY OVERCOMING PROBLEMS, PART 2.2 ------------------------------------------------- Class Section 2: Quiet Time—Refuge from the Storm ------------------------------------------------- > Quiet time with Jesus The storms of life come upon all of us in different ways—personal trials, spiritual battles, physical difficulties. It's wonderful to know that there is a shelter where we can find solace, rest, comfort, and guidance, and that is in the presence of the Lord. Remember that Jesus tells us: Matthew 11:28–30—Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. One of the best ways that you can implement each of these three steps to solving your problems, as well as preventing some problems before they even start, is to set aside a little time each day to come into the Lord's presence. Spend regular time in quiet prayer, praise, and reading the Word. The more time you can devote to this, the more victories you'll obtain and the closer you'll get to the Lord. This is not the same as study time, but just time to spend in fellowship with Jesus, talking to Him, and listening to Him. Think of it as taking time alone with a loved one, just as you may do with your husband, wife, boyfriend, or girlfriend. ------------------------------------- > The strength-giver ------------------------------------- This type of spiritual rest and quiet will renew you and give you strength to face whatever comes your way. Isaiah 30:15—For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength." Hebrews 4:9–10—There remains therefore a rest for the people of God. (10) For he who has entered His rest has himself also ceased from his works as God did from His. Jesus can solve all your problems in one little glimpse! He can refresh your whole spirit with one deep breath. He can clarify all your thoughts with just one sweet strain of Heavenly music. And He can wipe away all your fears and tears with just one little restful moment in that perfect peace He gives when your mind is stayed on Him and Him alone, because you trust in Him. It just takes one little glimpse of Jesus to make it worth it all! "I can only lie still" Hudson Taylor (English missionary to China, 1832–1905) was so feeble in the closing months of life, that he wrote a dear friend, "I am so weak I cannot work; I cannot read my Bible; I cannot even pray. I can only lie still in God's arms like a little child, and trust." This wondrous man of God with all his spiritual power came to a place of physical suffering and weakness where he could only lie still and trust. And that is all God asks of you, His dear child, when you grow faint in the fierce fires of affliction. Do not try to be strong. Just be still. (end)