When you are faced with challenging situations, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by everything that is happening around you. Surprisingly, 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.
Our 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 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 drug addict brother abandoned schooling while pursuing a medicine course. I remember my late mother who was a widow, the stress she went through with her last born son becoming a drug addict and at the same time attempting to end his life. I thank God for his grace because he gave us the strength and wisdom to guard our hearts and minds. Personally, I discovered Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Prayer is how we communicate; and he always hears us when we speak. As you pray, pray as if the prayer has already been answered-that is faith. As you do so you will find a peace that cannot be shaken by any trial or circumstance. That peace will keep you sound and sure through many challenges, and you will be able to be at rest.
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 decision, trust Him to provide the comfort, strength, and wisdom you need in order to continue toward your goal Isaiah 43:1–2, the bible says, “But now, this is what the Lord says-he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; his flames will not set you ablaze.”
By placing our faith in God, we take our hands off our problems. Psalm 18:1–2, the scripture says, “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”. God gave us His Son, Jesus Christ, to reach beyond time, life’s challenges, and even death to save us.