We often come across situations in our life that trouble our heart, cause stress and ruin our happy mood. So is life! There is never a constant emotion. We are faced with all kinds of situations, and so as Christians, what do we do?
Numerous thoughts cross our minds. We often question our circumstances, feel lost, depressed and hopeless. How long will this last? Why me? Is God even looking at me? Can’t He see how stressful this is? Is there even a solution? Why are people so mean? Can I run away from this situation? Why struggle?
Having faced such struggles, I have often felt depressed, spent days crying at night, and struggled to overcome what I felt. If this is you, do not worry. It is not unusual to feel this way! If you read the book of Job and Psalms, you realize that these great men of God had a severe emotional crisis. Job in the third chapter questioned his existence, and David talks explicitly about his sorrows in Psalms.
I found a breakthrough, and that changed my life. This precious lesson that God taught me gave me the strength and future hope that I never had.
- Seeing our situation from His perspective
My constant suffering brought me closer to God. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that He will not allow us to suffer beyond that we can bear. But I always questioned this! I often felt that I was facing a situation above my ability to handle it. You might also feel this! Just believe in this verse. Our foundation as Christian is purely based on ‘faith’. Because the verse ends this way, “He will provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
There is no situation that God cannot solve. Cry unto Him, pray, stay quiet. And, repeat this. Learn not to question or sin during this time (Job 1:22). That way, you will not regret later. I have learnt to remain calm and and relieve my emotions through crying, and sometimes I sleep to relax my mind (Do what works for you).
If you have a companion, ask them to pray for you and, if possible, pray with them. And if you are alone and do not want to pray. Do not worry. Relax, come back and pray.
Here is what you need to tell yourself.
My God knows my situation. He sees my suffering. He has promised never to leave me. He is going to give me new strength to face my problems. Even if the world abandons me, my God will not. I will not stop trusting Him. I know that all of this will result in good (Romans 8:28). He has it in control. He will not allow me to be tested beyond my ability. Even if I don’t feel it, I trust it.
- His power is made perfect in weakness
2 Corinthians 12:9 – We often hear the line, ‘My grace is sufficient for you’ and not really focus on what follows it. And this is it, ‘His power is made perfect in his weakness.’ Precisely in our physical weakness! Paul was tested, and that is when God gave him this promise.
You realize that you don’t have the strength to handle your difficulty/situation. You are losing it! Do not worry. The Bible says, ‘Fear not,’ ‘Be not afraid,’ ‘Take heart.’ Look unto God! His strength and power will fill your life.
FOCUS on Him!
‘Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit’ – Zec 4:6. Yes, this will be your experience as it has been mine. God gave me strength that was humanly not possible, a hope that He will deliver me and that He is fighting for me.
Some of my situations took days, months and years to solve. There was a deliverance. It was just not in the time that I wanted, but when God perfectly planned it for me. Those days of waiting, suffering and pain taught me patience and made me a better person. I see God much closer than I did before.
- Joyful in all situations
“Consider it pure joy… when you face trials of many kinds” – James 1:2
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer” – Romans 12:12
This is exclusive to the children of God and the most incredible privilege that I think we all have. God wants us to rejoice in pain and suffering. Learn to be joyful in Him. Praise Him because, by faith, you know that there is hope and deliverance in Christ. My God will make a way for me when I don’t see it! He will, and so I will rejoice in all my suffering. Make it a practice to thank God (I Thess 5:18), and you will never again be lost in your thinking and depression. Listen to songs, messages, and podcasts. Read the word of God, and so, be engaged in an activity that helps. Always remind yourself to rejoice in the Lord!!
This is my breakthrough! An approach to suffering that no more leads me to depression. I am stronger and happier because I have learnt to face my situations. I pray over your life and believe that you will seek his strength and rejoice in all your sufferings because He is our hope!!
Lord, I speak joy and deliverance in the life of the one reading this. Help them to see your perspective. Train them to rejoice in suffering and let them be filled with your heavenly peace. In Jesus Name. Amen.
God Fearing Women 