I Give Up!!!!!

You won’t need to fight in this battle. Just stand strong in your places, and you will see the Lord save you. Judah and Jerusalem, don’t be afraid or discouraged, because the Lord is with you. So go out against those people tomorrow.

2 Chronicles 20:17 

 

 

I am going to be PAINFULLY honest with you....these last few weeks have pushed my bride and I to the point where we are ready to give up.  It's as if each time we're just about to get up and see sunshine, more punches come raining down on us.  And please let me be even more honest, when you have reached the point where you wonder "what next?" let me share a few things from personal experience:

•  When the punches rain down like boulders, it's very easy to focus on the pain and discomfort of the immediate situation instead of focusing on God who knew this was coming and has already put a plan in place to get us through this.
• You slap on a "happy face" for everyone to see, even though you heart is breaking and your life has been turned every which way but up.  But you're expected to never experience any turmoil because God loves you, and you're expected to wear the mask of serenity for the benefit of those who see you. 
• You want to spent all your time doing anything that will help distract you from the  bombardment EXCEPT listen to someone quote Bible verses to you.  You KNOW the Bible speaks truth, but you aren't in the frame of mind to truly hear what is being said.
• You feel as if you are drowning because stress and anxiety have such a tight hold on you that it takes conscious effort to breathe.

 

Now, I don't say these things seeking sympathy, but writing this is therapeutic for me, and I also know we are not the only ones having to deal with this blitzkrieg of challenges.  So....what can we take from this?  How can we practically make it through?  Here are some of the ways I am learning to deal:

• Accept what is happening and know that, even though it may be excruciating and life altering, this is a temporary situation.
• BE HONEST WITH GOD! Let's face it, God already knows everything about your situation and is already dealing with it.  If you need to change a perspective or an action or an attitude, be honest and tell God about it.
• Find an outlet!  Write it out, talk it out, praying is ALWAYS good because you are talking with God who is in control of all things.
• Keep with your routines.  Routines give you a way to physically occupy yourself and helps keep you focused.
• Try to find some positive point, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that will break your downward spiraling thought patterns. 
• And here's the part I struggle with most: When you talk with God about it,  let HIM deal with it! Take your hands off!  Don't try to tell Him how He needs to do His job or tell Him that your way is better than His.  Tell Him what is on your heart and then let Him deal with it.

The realization that hit my like a thump to the forehead....God has not taken you home yet, so it's His job to get you through this troublesome time.  We may not like the outcome, but when we understand that God does EVERYTHING for our good and His glory, our perspective will begin to change.