In tough times, let's consult not our fears but our hopes and dreams and think not about our frustrations, but about our unfulfilled potential. Let's concern ourselves not with what we've tried and failed in, but with what is still possible. It's easy to grow downhearted when nothing is going our way. It's easy to be discouraged when we have a troublesome day. But trouble is only a challenge to spur us on to achieve the best that God has to offer if we have the faith to believe.  Let's learn from the following thoughts derived from an article written by Peter Amsterdam.

Nearly everyone of us in this world experiences problems, financial troubles and trying situations at one time or another, but some of us deal with them better than others. What makes the difference is often not so much on our circumstances, but whom we turn for help.

The secret of overcoming any problem or obstacle in life is to do what we can do, and then rely on “God Factor.”

What is the God factor?  Isaiah 55:9 says: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  In making our plans, we must remember that God is always in control of the situation and He is able to change hearts and circumstances and make things happen beyond our abilities. That is the God factor. What seems logical to the human mind often takes on a different perspective when the God factor comes into play.

God factor is that extra element in the equation that supersedes even the laws of nature and makes the impossible possible. It means trusting God and believing that with Him, nothing is impossible. It means that faith in Him defies all impossibilities. God is in the heavenly realm, but He works in the real world. He deals not just in spiritual but also in tangible blessings and rewards as well.

We need to learn to trust Him for our material and spiritual needs. He’s powerful, capable, and willing to give us the blessings we need if we'll only have the faith to receive them.

God has given us some amazing promises which are real. He never lies. He doen’t exagérate. He doesn’t pump up His promises to lift Himself up or to make us feel good. He gives these promises because He wants us to believe and claim them as our own, the great things He has in store for us.

But His promises are conditional: "Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart" (Psalm 37:4). "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you" (Matthew 6:33). "Give and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:38). "No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).

The fulfillment of each promises depends on us, doing our part of the bargain, which nearly always comes down to keeping His two great commandments: Love God and love our neighbors as we do ourselves. Matthew 22:37-39

That’s the God factor. If we do our part they will come to pass…not necessarily in the way we want or think they will, but in God’s time and in God’s way. Like a wise and loving parent, He always knows what’s best for us to make us happy.

Thank God for what we have; trust Him for what we need.