In life, we are faced with myriads of difficulties. Every so often we may feel that as soon as we get over one hurdle, there is another one awaiting. That is just the flow of life. Things are not always going to be easy, but as Christians, we must be on the guard. We have to persevere, knowing that it is through our perseverance we become stronger.
Whenever we are faced with difficulties, it is always important to view those difficulties as a chance to grow. Instead of giving up on ourselves we should be asking ourselves; “What can I learn from this”? In doing so, we are allowing perseverance to become a habit that will benefit us positively as we continue to trust in God. The word of God reminds us that all things will work out for our good. Developing the right mindset is crucial, we learn to know that we are already victors over our struggles.
Give him your burdens
We cannot beat up on ourselves when the storms come. Instead, we must cast all our burdens on the Lord and leave them in his hands knowing that he will take care of us. We must realize that we cannot do it on our own and that is why Jesus told us to take on his yolk. Knowing that Jesus will carry my burdens for me and that I do not have to worry gives me so much peace. I know that no matter what I face I will be ok, even if through my eye’s things are not going the way I would want them to. There is a purpose and God will be glorified.
This season of my life has not been smooth sailing. I have had complaints ranging from constant tinnitus (in both ears), swollen inferior turbinates and recurrent headaches. I was feeling so burdened, at one point I began questioning God. But then I change my focus and started asking God to show me what I can learn from all this.
Strength of our lives
A few weeks ago, I was physically low, I have never felt that way before, my head was aching so badly, pain killers were not enough. I cried out to God for strength, and he heard me, I literally felt like a heavy load was lifted off me. Little by little, day by day the pain subsided, and I regained physical strength. All praise and glory to the most high God, the strength of our lives.
His grace is enough
The story of Paul's thorn in the flesh came to mind. Can you imagine living with a thorn in the flesh? The magnitude of pain and discomfort that would bring. Paul prayed to the Lord three times for it to be removed, the Lord’s response was “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” That’s it! God's grace is just enough, no matter what life throws our way.
Undoubtedly, we will face hardships, but we must remember that God’s grace is enough for us. Whenever we are down and feel like it is impossible to go further, God will always be there to carry us if we let him.
So, continue to persevere, it is in the rough seasons of life we learn to really trust and depend on God. We learn that God is still God no matter what we face. It is in these seasons we receive our testimonies of victory to share and build each other up.
Do not forget that Jesus is our High Priest, he is touched with the feelings of all our infirmities and will always be there to sustain us.
Isaiah chapter 46 verse 4 says “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.”
I am Victoria Richards, a fourth-year medical student at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. Serving the Lord brings me joy. I enjoy sharing the gospel through singing, writing poetry and encouraging others.