John 13:7 (NLT) Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.”
Romans 8:18-19 (NLT) Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.
I seldom understand the significance of a moment. Often what I think is terrible works out to be an unexpected blessing. And, I commonly see things as good but they make my life much more difficult in the end.
If you find yourself staggering under the weight of uncertainty. I hope you know that your only stability in this life, is Jesus. That is hard to remember in moments of pain or frustration. But, it is the truth.
I often find myself praying, “What can I do now, Lord?” He is always faithful to answer. Here are a few ideas.
Pray The Pain Away
1 Peter 5:7 (NLT) Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
James 4:8 (NLT) Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
Get close to God. This should be our first response to everything. When bad news comes, we should get close to God. When we are celebrating, we should draw near to God. Worry will drain you but worship will fill your soul.
So, crank up the music. Fill your home, car, and heart with praise to God. Pray out Loud. Make your voice heard in Heaven!
If you will lean into God, His Holy Spirit will comfort you. You will breathe again. You will be okay, even if everything else is not okay.
Do Something
James 1:12 (NLT) God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
I don’t know who this quote should be attributed to, but it has stuck with me over the years.
The secret to patience is to find something else to do in the mean time.
The most depressing thing that you could do when you are under stress is to stay there. Get busy. Work on something until you find the one thing that is going to deliver you from your current worry.
It is pointless to allow difficult news or circumstances to paralyze you. Your God is still in control. The less it looks like He is in control, the closer you are to a miracle.
By the way, do something that blesses. Never fall into the trap of mocking or criticizing those with whom you disagree. Rather, rise to your true identity as a Son or Daughter of the King! Bless someone. Better yet, Bless an enemy.
It’s hard to suffer the stress of anger toward those you chose to love by serving them.
Get Involved Where You Are Able
Jeremiah 29:7 (NLT) And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you… . Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.”
There isn’t much that can be done about things far away. We can waste our energy in anger, or we can get to work right where we live. Sometimes the things that are stirring us to fear, indicate a place God wants us to serve. And, the truth is, that those who serve are those who lead.
So, be faithful closer to home. Help those who are suffering. Stand for those who are oppressed. Care for those in need. And, speak to those in power.
I love where I live, don’t you? Why not make where we live the best place we possibly can?
See, there is so much more to do than just be angry, sad, or frustrated. Now is a time to get involved. Now is a time to find reasons to work together. We can banish the lies that drive us apart.
What a time to be alive! Do not fear… Believe, Do, Grow.
Micheal