As long as I take in breath, I will not be immune to these challenges. Especially the ones that I have no control over!
Life Challenges – No Control
All of us experience major and minor life challenges. How we handle these struggles on a daily basis determines our physical, as well as our mental well-being. It takes only a single event to convince us we have no control over our circumstances. Sometimes these challenges consume us with guilt, panic attacks, or chronic fatigue. Our problems pressure us from every side, threatening to crush or break us.
Surprisingly, all life challenges have a direct relationship in defining our purpose in life. If only we could find assurance that there was a plan or reason for the difficulties we face. We search for meaning in tragedy, questioning our reason for hope or a future. “Why me God? How can I ever forgive? I hate my life! How do I stop the pain?”
Life Challenges – Out of Control
Life challenges enable us to see ourselves at our best and our worst. We may attempt to temporarily escape our circumstances, falling into alcohol addiction or drug addiction. Others find themselves overwhelmed, careening out of control -- even contemplating how to commit suicide.
My alcoholic grandfather took his own life, leaving my father bitter. My mother and I became victims of emotional and verbal abuse, I struggled with self worth. In time I found a way to guard my heart and mind. I discovered peace and joy by using words to bring hope and healing to others, not as verbal weapons.
Life Challenges – Beyond Your Control
We face our greatest life challenges when we struggle to find love, security, and assurance that life truly has meaning. Our fears, unhealthy behaviors, and excessive emotional struggles result from our inability to interpret and correctly cope with our circumstances and feelings. Whether wrestling with chronic pain, forgiving infidelity, or trying to conceive, it is possible to move beyond that place of hopelessness.
When we develop a personal relationship with the One who created us, we discover how God wants us to respond in any given situation. If you are facing difficult decisions, trust Him to provide the comfort, strength, and wisdom you need in order to continue toward your goal (Isaiah 43:1-2). By placing our faith in God, we take our hands off our problems. “I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold” (Psalm 18:1-2). God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to reach beyond time, life’s challenges, and even death to save us.
- All About Life Challenges.com
I think there *is* meaning in the difficulties, pain, and challenges. Sometimes we see it; other times we discover it later; yet other times we may never know. Still, I don't think God would look upon our having meaningless pain with equanimity. Meaningful is another story. Hang in there! Sounds like it has been a rough year.
ReplyDeleteHi JBR,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was grieving the passing of my wife and a job loss at the same time, I held tightly onto this passage of scripture:
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2Corinthians 4:16-18
I lift you up in prayer.
Ken
Ken, thank you for sharing this. Hugs.
DeleteWhat I'm grateful for, no matter how much changes goes on, we have a constant God Who truly loves us! I love all the pics that go well with your posts JBR. Take care and always be strong in His power!
ReplyDeleteThankful for Gods love.
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