When trouble comes, focus on God's ability to care for you.

"When trouble comes, focus on God's ability to care for you." — These wise words from Charles Stanley echo the eternal truth that in moments of hardship, it is not our own strength or resources that will carry us through, but the boundless ability of God to provide, protect, and guide. This teaching calls us to redirect our attention, not to the size of our problems, but to the greatness of the Divine. In the midst of suffering, fear, or uncertainty, the true path to peace is found not in anxiety or self-reliance, but in the trust that God, in His wisdom and power, can handle whatever comes our way.

The ancient scriptures often remind us that when trials and tribulations arise, the faithful are not called to rely on their own understanding or strength. The Psalms, for example, are filled with cries to the Lord in times of distress, but they are also filled with declarations of trust in God’s unwavering ability to protect and provide. David, the great psalmist, often faced enemies, dangers, and despair, yet his heart always returned to a profound truth: that the Lord was his refuge and fortress. In Psalm 23, David speaks of walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but with the confidence that God’s presence would comfort him. This deep trust in God’s ability to care for him transcended all fear and uncertainty.

The wisdom in Stanley’s words has its roots in this ancient understanding: God’s ability is not limited by our circumstances or perceptions. He is not bound by the laws of nature, nor is He intimidated by the storms that rage around us. Consider the moment when Jesus and His disciples were caught in a violent storm on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples, terrified, woke Jesus, who was calmly sleeping. He rose, rebuked the storm, and it ceased. His disciples marveled, "What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" Jesus’ ability to calm the storm was a demonstration of His divine power to care for His followers, no matter how fierce the trials might seem. In that moment, He was teaching His disciples — and us — that God’s ability to care for us is always greater than the troubles that surround us.

Consider also the story of Job, a man who endured unimaginable suffering: the loss of his wealth, his children, his health. Yet, through it all, Job’s faith remained unshaken, even though he wrestled with deep questions. In his darkest hour, Job did not focus on the magnitude of his troubles, but on the sovereignty of God. When God finally spoke to Job, He reminded him of the vastness of His power and wisdom, declaring that He is the Creator of all things, from the heavens above to the depths of the earth. Job, in his suffering, was brought back to the essential truth: God’s care transcends the scope of human understanding, and His ability to uphold us is beyond measure. It is in moments like these that we must turn our hearts to the recognition that God's ability to care for us is far greater than any adversity we may face.

The lesson that Stanley imparts is not one of passive resignation, but of active faith. When trouble comes, we are invited to shift our gaze — from the fear of what could happen, from the magnitude of our challenges, to the comfort and strength that comes from knowing God’s ability to care for us. The path of faith is not about avoiding difficulty, but about trusting in God’s provision and protection in the midst of it. This does not mean we will be free from hardship, but that we can face it with the confidence that the Creator of the universe is with us, working all things for good, even when we cannot see how.

In our own lives, the practical action is simple but profound: in moments of distress or uncertainty, focus on God’s ability to care for you. Turn your thoughts away from the overwhelming weight of the problem, and focus on the faithfulness of the One who has promised never to leave or forsake us. Just as Jesus invited His disciples to rest in His care amidst the storm, so too are we invited to place our trust in Him. Whether the storm is external or internal, whether the trial is small or vast, the way forward is the same — with our eyes fixed not on the trouble, but on the God who holds us securely.

Therefore, in every trial and storm of life, let us remember that God’s ability is our true refuge. We are not called to stand alone, but to place our hope and trust in the One who can calm the storms and bring peace in the midst of chaos. Let this wisdom guide us in our daily lives — when trouble comes, as it inevitably will, we can rest in the assurance that God is greater than our fears, and He is ever present to care for us. By focusing on His ability, we step into a place of deep peace, knowing that the Creator of all things is actively working to uphold, protect, and guide us through every storm.