It is always a source of relief and panic for me when I have a very intimate, raw conversation with someone, and we just exchange notes on our struggles. Not in a way of trying to compete on who is suffering the most, but just connecting on the fact that life is throwing us curveballs, and we don’t want to feel alone.
It is a source of relief for me cause half the time I’m going through hardships, I always feel so alone. For some reason, the pain can cloud my eyes, and it just feels like everyone else is living their best life except me. So yes, it feels good to have an honest conversation with a friend, no mincing words, no pretense- just two people vulnerably admitting that they are in a pothole and have no idea if and when they will get out.
It is a source of panic for me because I slowly start to realise that aside from the obvious fact that social media isn’t a real place and people only let you see what they want you to see; it is becoming more glaring than ever than no one really has all their ducks in a row. Every single person is going through one level of shit or the other.
There are some who are struggling to find joy in everything and anything, some feeling stuck in a circle of pain-relief-more pain, some trying to find the courage to take the next step in their careers but not really sure if it’s going to be a productive step and then there are those who just don’t know what to do.
It is easy to get lost in our problems, so that we grow blind to the pain that surrounds us, the frustration and hurt that even those closest to us try so hard to hide. It is even more shocking when you catch yourself wishing for the life of another person who, in reality, is fighting demons you could never even imagine.
It is a scary realisation. Every time I have one of these conversations with a friend, I feel an immediate defeat. It is just so difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that all of us are seeing shege. At least let one person breathe and truly live that all-around dream life. But maybe, just maybe, we were never meant to reach such a point of self-sufficiency.
Is it possible that there is a constant thorn in our flesh to keep us dependent and close to our source? Is it possible that this never-ending dance of pain, joy, hurt, frustration, victory, and defeat is just God’s way of reminding us that without him, there is no us?
I never could understand the whole thing. In theory, I could, but in practice, it just made no sense. As far as I was concerned, if everything in my life was perfect, then surely, I would be in a better position to worship and serve God instead of this constant struggle to keep my faith intact in the midst of perilous storms. Who knows, really? Who knows if that would be the case or if I would have found no use for faith, since in reality, there was nothing I was hoping for.
Anyways, those are just my intrusive thoughts taking a swing lol.
I read two passages today that kind of stamped what I already knew in my heart to be true.
James 1:3-4 “When your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:12 “Happy are those who remain faithful under trials, because when they succeed in passing such a test, they will receive as their reward the life which God has promised to those who love him.”
I have come to the conclusion that there is no human justification or understanding as to why we go through a lot of the rough patches that come our way. But one thing that can give us solace is the resulting endurance and the promised life from God. Let this be a source of strength on the really hard days and a continuous motivation on the not-so-slow days.
Let’s Say This Prayer Together:
It’s your child here again.
I finally overcame the waves and currents, but just when I thought I could take a deep breath, I got pushed in again, and now I feel like I’m drowning all over again.
Daddy, I have completely surrendered to you and let you take charge of my life. But sometimes I still panic because of how close and scary the storms get. I know these trials are tests, and I really want to pass them, but I can feel my faith slowly fading and my heart growing wearier.
Abba, please strengthen me. Help me to remain faithful and give me the endurance I need to carry me through. Anchor me in your truth and keep me grounded in your promises.
So, hold my hand, Lord. Carry me when I can’t walk. And please, do not let go. Amen.
Hi guys, this is your reminder that you are not alone, even if your battles are personal. I know how overwhelming the pain and frustration can get, but do not listen to that voice in your head telling you God hates you or you’re the only one going through hardships. Trials are God’s way of establishing our dependency on him and reminding us that he is the source of our strength. So hold on to him, find peace in his words and comfort in the hope of his coming promises. Also, reach out to your community, hold someone’s hand today. You never know, love, they just might need you right now.
And don’t forget, we are your community too. So, if you ever feel the need to talk or someone to sit in the silence with, we are here for you. Do not hesitate to send us a message here-https://www.justhummingbird.com/contact-me/ or here-https://stats.sender.net/forms/e7ly1a/view
This is beautiful ❤️
Thank you love ❤️
Christ in us the hope of glory. In Christ there is a pact, a trusted partnership, an unfading covenant that makes Light shine in darkness. It makes music erupt in discordant chaos. This pact, agreement, covenant makes my soul dance in stormy moments.
I just know He is in “here” with me. His Word is here: and “where the word of a king is there is power. Ecc 8:4.”
So, I cast not only my bread on the waters, for I will find it after many days Ecc 11:1; I also I cast my burdens on Him who had enough reasons and capacity to stay on the cross unflinching, untill he sought my case out with His blood, water and life.
So, welcome to Life despite daily death, glory despite daily shame, laughter despite daily tears, progress despite daily obstacle, peace despite daily upheaval, victory despite daily war, distinctions despite daily examination. And when daily victories tarry, hope in ever victorious Jesus, keeps us moving knowing He may tarry but he in us never miss the deadlines.
Never forget, Jesus is right inside us: our hope of glory.
Only one thing is needed, never send Him away. Ask him for grace to stay in you, as your hope of glory, Colossians 1:27
Thank you for sharing your heart in this space ❤️. May this kind of steady, rooted faith continue to speak life into others here.
Jesus truly is our hope of glory.