It is not that easy to be thankful in difficult times, is it? We might feel perplexed, frustrated and angry when things don’t go the way we want them to, right? Feeling lost and anxious we may ask “God, where are you? Why are You slow to help me?”
Over the 25 years of my faith journey, I had encountered quite a few of these situations. Over the many years of my walk with the Lord and my recovery from the adversity after losing nearly half of my body, I have been learning how to have unwavering faith in all circumstances and have a grateful mindset no matter what’s going on in life. It greatly empowered me and I am very eager to share it with others. I will speak about it in the upcoming event “Steady & Thankful in the Midst of the Storm” in San Francisco.
It’s a Free event, click on the link to find out more details:
http://becomingunstoppable.org/upcoming-events/
When I started focusing not on the problem itself and how difficult it was but instead was observing what was behind events and circumstances and where they ultimately brought me, time and time again I got to see a mystery – events that occurred, problems, hardships, people whom I met, circumstances that I didn’t like, not receiving the desired answers to my prayers, and experiences I went through played a critical role in my life, and to my surprise, all of it really worked together for the good, as it’s written in Romans 8:28.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NKJV)
I experience this phenomenon time and time again and today, I have so many testimonies which show that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose, is really true.
Even though it was not easy to go through those difficulties, they left a valuable imprint on my life. What’s more interesting, the strangest thing was to realize that particularly those events that seemed destructive or seemed like endless hardships, actually brought me to my ultimate dream! The funny thing is that even my mistakes had a great value in my life. In fact, I needed to make those mistakes, because they made changes deep within me and taught me some very valuable lessons which I would not have gained otherwise. Problems, difficulties, pain, and failures to attain some goals, hopelessness, and all that I experienced were for my benefit. Going through hardships and seeing God’s faithfulness at all times, I have learned to get rid of stress, fear, or anxiety. Realizing that the difficulty worked for my good surprised me each and every time. Today I am very grateful for everything.
During the event on Dec 1st (details here: http://becomingunstoppable.org/upcoming-events/)
I have a full program of testimonies and practical knowledge on how to be steadfast no matter what’s going on in your life. But I want to share with you some tips now. You can also read a full blog about it by following the link below, and on my website subscribe to receive my messages.
http://becomingunstoppable.org/…/how-to-be-steady-and-than…/
Before you react to a situation and let negative feelings overpower you, stop yourself. Step back and look at the situation from a different viewpoint. Respond to the situation by controlling what you see. It’s your viewpoint that will determine what it means to you, how you feel about it and what you’re going to do about it. So, it’s critical to be in charge of your mindset and your perspective the way you look at life. Your conscious and unconscious beliefs will lay the foundation for your viewpoint. Pay close attention to your beliefs that come from your culture, religion, your experience or people you respect and trust. The good thing is that we can choose our beliefs. It’s nothing more than what we hold to be true.
Choose your response based on your faith.
How? Think about it – in the Scriptures, reading the book of Job, we clearly see that Satan cannot do more than what God allows him to do in the life of a person who loves God and lives righteously before the Lord. In Matthew 10:29-31 we see that nothing can happen in your life without Father’s will; even hairs on your head are counted. And, If you love God (which means you live according to God’s commandments, John 14:21) and are called according to His purpose, then somehow God will make this work out for your good. (Romans 8:28)
You can shape your viewpoint based on the word of God: whatever is going on is not more than what Father allowed. And if God allowed this situation in your life, so there is some purpose in it. So, instead of becoming anxious and fearful for your future, trust your God. Our faith is tested in difficult times. He’s watching over you. Knowing that it’s not more than what the Lord allowed and there is a purpose behind it, and it all will work out for your good in the end, ask yourself what might be the purpose. What’s the good side of this situation?
Naturally, we tend to focus on the problem and constantly think about how difficult and how painful it is and how much we don’t like it. I encourage you to see the purpose behind it and focus on the possible solution instead of focusing on the problem itself. When you put on sunglasses, what you see doesn’t change but changes how you see it, right? Replace your sunglasses with glasses of faith and look at your circumstances through the eyes of faith.
See, the Lord often allows difficulties and doesn’t make it easier right away because He’s working with our heart, He’s teaching us things we need to learn. Some things can be learned and gained only through difficulties. I experienced that problems, obstacles, and despair are great teachers. At times the Lord tests our faith and our faithfulness. The vessel goes through the molding and the fire before it is used. If you look at what benefit you can find in difficulties, what’s the good side of your difficulty – you will be amazed how much good you will see. In the end, you will be truly thankful for it. I am today.
What about you? Have you experienced difficulties, which you are thankful for?
Until next time,
Inga
UNSTOPPABLE 