The moment adversity strikes, my first thought is to just
give up. Whether I embrace the negative thought or dismiss it immediately is entirely
up to me. It took me awhile to realize I have that option. Just because I have
a negative thought doesn’t mean it is true.
A few days ago, I had a bad day. My foot had been hurting on and off for a few
days. As my son and I went for our evening walk, the pain intensified and I could
barely walk home. He held my hand and coached me along the way.
I was very discouraged! It’s so hard to struggle with something
every single day. All I wanted to do was walk with my son, and my body
prevented me. And that’s when the negative thoughts bombarded me and the pity
party began. As the tears fell, I welcomed them and embraced my pitiful
thoughts.
In anger and heartache, I thought: Give up what? What are you going to give up? Your life? Are you just
going to go to bed, pull the covers over your head and accept defeat? Are you going
to allow the devil to take away the enjoyment of your life? After a few
minutes, the tears slowed down and my head cleared. Suddenly, it didn’t seem as
overwhelming. My tears changed from
self-pity to acceptance, and I was able to ask God to help me through it so I could
help someone else.
In every moment of my life, I believe there is a lesson to
be learned. Instead of trying to be strong, and pushing my thoughts aside, I decided
to become aware of them and the process of overcoming my struggle.
Below is my four step process.
1.
Give myself permission to cry about it.
2.
Realize nothing is ever as bad as it seems
3.
Embrace my purpose
4.
Reestablish my thoughts and find hope
The first step for me is always the tears. I give myself
permission to cry about it. After all, God understands my tears. Regardless of
our strength, faith, or courage, we will all have moments of weakness, doubt,
and fear. If we just constantly push them aside, then we can’t move forward. When
I come to the end of my strength, and let God know that I’m weak, I am
surrounded by His strength. When I struggle, I am given an opportunity to
increase my faith. Because once He brings me through this trial, it will create
another memory of faith through victory for me. When I’m afraid and He gives me
the courage to do it anyway, my courage multiplies with the overcoming of the
fear.
When something happens to us, the devil uses it as an opportunity
to attack. In a vulnerable state, we are more apt to believe the lie of our enemy.
However, if we can shift our thoughts and find humor through the trial we more
equipped to handle it. After my tears stopped, I asked my husband if he could
give me a piggyback ride for 5,000 steps, so I could get in my steps for the
day. Then I decided that I probably just need new running shoes. I mean new
shoes always make me feel better. Through the laughs, I realized nothing is
ever as bad as it initially seems.
Still going through the process, I searched for inspiring
quotes and scriptures. The bad thoughts were still swirling in my mind and I wanted
to change the direction of my thoughts. It was then that I discovered this
quote, sent to me by one of my friends.
And God blessed me to take a trip down memory lane. We have
been through so many trials. He has never let me down or left me. Regardless of
the battle, He always helps me overcome it and grow during the process. When I establish
my thoughts, the devil can’t do anything with me. Instead of being mad at the
situation or pain, God blessed me to become grateful for the trial and that He
would allow me to suffer for Him. I might have started the process weak and
wounded, but when God intervened my soul rejoiced and my spirit was renewed.
When God moves in my heart, I feel 10 feet tall and
bulletproof. He is a mighty God! Nothing is too big for Him. He might not always
answer my prayers according to my will, but He always gives me exactly what I need.
And for that I am so incredibly grateful!
And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV
Do you have something to add? Please leave me a comment if
you enjoy reading my blogs. We all need encouragement.
May God bless you,
Candida
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