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There are seasons in life that are harder than others.
We're tempted to quit, to say we're not qualified, that we don't know how ends will meet and everything within us wants to run away to an easier place.
But, most of the time, the only way to get through to the spring in our life is to put our heads down and walk through the winter.
The dark of winter in our soul can either drive us to the Shelter of the Almighty or toss us, shipwrecked onto the cold, icy shore.
"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble. So we will not fear, even if earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the seas. Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! Be silent, and know that I am God!" Psalm 46:1-3, 10
The Winter of Life
It is inevitable that the storms of life will come. But that doesn't mean we have to weather them alone.Find Someone to Talk To
It's easy to feel like we can't talk to anyone about our struggles because we think they might encourage us to quit and choose a different path. Or we worry that they will think we brought our troubles on ourselves so now we'll just have to deal with them.Sometimes life is hard because the choice we make is hard, but it doesn't mean we made the wrong choice. But it sure does help to have someone come alongside us and cheer us on until we get to the other side.
Take a Break
Truth be told, I feel guilty going out alone for coffee. For some ridiculous reason, it makes me feel like I am being selfish. But you know what I would tell another woman who told me that? There's nothing selfish about recharging your soul so you will have more to give to others.If going out for coffee gives me an opportunity to let the weight of the season I am in slide off my shoulders for one hour so I can come back with fresh eyes, why is that wrong? If an hour or two alone lets me read a book that inspires me to be a better mom, wife, homeschooler or friend, why should I feel guilty?
Give Yourself Time with God
Has your soul had life poured into it by the Word of God or perhaps a message on line? Even Jesus made time to get away. Alone. "Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer." Luke 5:16When facing a difficult season of life, that's the time, more than any other, that we need to be reading God's Word. In fact, we should increase the amount of time that we would normally spend in His Word. The harder life is, the more we read should be our motto.
If You're Married, Communicate Your Struggles to Your Husband
You're not doing anyone any favors by bearing your burden alone. Ask your husband to pray for you and talk to him about what is going on in your life. He'll be better equipped to pray for you if he knows what to pray about and hopefully he'll be sensitive to the burden you are bearing.
"Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are alone when they fall are in real trouble. And on a cold night, two under the same blanket can gain warmth from each other. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer." Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Don't Neglect Fellowship with Other Believers at Church
For some reason, it is our nature to want to hide when we are struggling. We don't want others to know our weaknesses because we're just not sure what they're going to think or say about us.I completely get that.
But I have to ask myself, is that the way God wants me to be? Is my pride standing in the way of God working in my life through another believer? Maybe someone needs to be encouraged because they see that God can use their struggles to help me.
"So when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your benefit and salvation! For when God comforts us, it is so that we, in turn, can be an encouragement to you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in suffering, you will also share God's comfort. He will rescue us because you are helping by praying for us." 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, 11
Satan often uses the tactic that makes us think we're alone in our struggles. But I bet for every one of my struggles, there's a handful of other believers in my church struggling with a similar thing. If we'd realize we're a body that builds and not judges, I think we'd see our churches function the way God intended them to.
As a blogger, a wife, a Momma, a sister, a daughter, I don't have all the answers to life's struggles. What I can do is point you to Jesus because the more you know Him, the more you'll experience His power which will give you the confidence to say "I can do all things through Christ!" Praying that you know Him better, today.
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7 comments:
Thanks for posting needed to hear these words right now!
You're welcome. I'm so glad to hear it could encourage you. I thank the Lord for that!
I stopped by to look at a recipe but instead started reading this post. I'm glad I did! Today was a rough one and your encouraging words were very comforting. Thank you for your dedication and wisdom!
Oh, Deb! I'm so glad God led you to that post and that He used it to encourage you. Praying today is a better day for you!
Hugs!
Becky
My family is going through the darkest time in our lives, ever. Thank u for this, it helped ease my mind & heart. God bless you & yours!
My family is going through the darkest time in our lives, ever. Thank u for this, it helped ease my mind & heart. God bless you & yours!
Glitterbug,
That makes my heart sad to hear because I know how hard life can be at times and how hopeless we can feel. Praying for you right now that God can help lift your eyes above the storm and that He will encourage you in a very specific way today.
--Becky
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