Feel Like Giving Up?

Do you give up easy when the rubber meets the road? When problems seem insurmountable, it is easy to quit. Perhaps, you, or someone you know, are at end of the proverbial rope. When a person has been in a struggle for a long time, throwing in the towel sounds inviting. Emotional rollercoasters have been known to wear down the strongest of individuals. “I just want to get off this ride!” To whom do you turn? Consider the words of King David:
   “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him For the help of His presence. O my God, my soul is in despair within me; Therefore, I remember You from the land of the Jordan and the peaks of Hermon, from Mount Mizar.” (Psalms 42:5-6 [NASB]).
   David learned that his only hope was God; therefore, he sought Him out before anyone else. Especially, when he had no one to stand by his side. When some face hardship, and experience frustration and pain, they get angry at God. They blame, and push Him away. But this only prolongs the agony. Fortunately, God is an amazing Father Who is very patient with us, and stands ready to help. Others, have learned to run to Him first.
   Valleys can prove to be very fertile ground. Many have learned to draw near to God, and trust Him in the low places. That is not to say we should be looking for trouble, and hardship in order to have a great relationship with Him. After all, Jesus said we should be child-like, which does not require hardship. On the other hand, if a person is childish and filled with pride, he may find himself in the valley at some point. Though we should be child-like when approaching God, it is important to put away childish ways.
   1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things (NASB).

You are Creative

Genesis 1:27 God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
   It is important to underscore you are created in His image, which makes you creative by nature. Unfortunately, some have been taught to believe they are not creative; but they are! That being said, God has given you the creativity to problem-solve, and find solutions. It is innate, because it is a byproduct of being made in His image. It is a gift. Think about it. How many have invented amazing things, or found solutions to the biggest obstacles who didn’t have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? The gift works, in spite of the individual. God ultimately gets the glory!
   When facing an overwhelming problem, step back, take a breath and ask yourself: “Is there a solution?” There’s usually at least one, if not multiple. Put creativity to work. Don’t look at them as impossibilities, especially when all things are possible with God. That in itself is a hint. We do not have to face things alone. That may sound like a no-brainer; however, some isolate themselves and go into solo-mode. They learned to be self-reliant, because of facing difficulties on their own. There was no one to help them, hence, they only rely on themselves. Asking God for help is counterintuitive. If nothing else, the last resort.
   James 1:5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him (NASB).  

You Have Been Invited

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light (NASB).
   Salvation means having a relationship with God, which is why we call Him, “ABBA, Father.” He wants to co-labor with us, which means we can ask for His help. By the way, the sooner, the better! The caveat is it requires patience.  Some solutions take more time than others. In many cases, time is a key element for the best results. Sometimes His counsel includes us doing difficult things. You know, the things we don’t feel like doing.
   The Father has a wholistic approach when it comes to answering our prayers. Part of solving problems includes making us better by using situations to expose, and rid those things that hinder our relationship with Him. You did ask Him to make you more like Jesus, didn’t you? How many keep shooting themselves in the foot? Sometimes, people need to either be disarmed, or learn gun control, so they stop it. Part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control, which is only possible by submitting to Him (see Galatians 5:22-26).
    For instance, some people are impulsive, and lack self-control. Why? Something is amiss. In this case, they may be compensating, or self-medicating in a sense. They’re trying to make up for some apparent lack, or attempting to dull the pain caused by emotional trauma. The list of possible reasons is long, so we’ll leave it there. Incidentally, His wholistic approach includes helping others who may be involved. In the end, there is rest for your soul. There is peace.
   Problems are opportunities to draw even closer to Him!

Remember Previous Victories

Finally, remembering past victories helps us face new difficulties. If God did it once, He’ll do it again. It keeps us in touch with His faithfulness. Start here: He made a Way when there was no way to have a relationship with Him. He loves you!

perfectfaith.org