Why me? Why do these things always happen to me? Self-pity can swallow us whole if we allow it. When the storm is raging, and you feel drenched as the rain plummets to the ground, how are we to respond?
While I’ve been trying to press forward and remain strong, there are definitely moments where I need to crawl back into bed, close my shutters, and block out the world. When all I want is to have a moment to capture my thoughts and pray, it can be really easy to fall into a pit of despair. My thoughts become consuming until sleep is impossible. However, during one of these moments, I began reading the book, A Change of Affection, and the author wrote something that resonated with me, pulling me out of my self-pity and giving me a slap of reality.
In the book, Becket Cook speaks about the persecution Paul faced because of his faith and ministry — read 2 Corinthians 11:24-30 — along with Paul’s response. Referring to Romans 8:18, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” And, 2 Corinthians 4:17, “This light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” Becket explains the importance of looking at our present as it pertains to God’s ordained future. Rather than getting stuck in the events of today, he encourages readers to take a step back and look at the bigger picture.
We all go through things that we wouldn’t wish on anyone, yet there is One who experienced far worse. Yeshua bore the weight of our sins, so we no longer have to. He took on that pain, despite our rebellion and imperfection, and still calls us His Beloved. WOW!
The next time you feel like the world is collapsing on top of you, take a moment to go to a quiet place and meditate on these Scriptures. Remember, the weight is not yours to bear alone, Yeshua is with you, and He is telling you that He is carrying it all on His shoulders! Let it go. Give it to God. Trust that there is a reason and season for all occasions.
This life is temporary, and the battles we are facing will soon come to an end; in the meantime, I want to encourage you that what you are going through is not in vain, and there is always hope. Please don’t allow yourself to get to the place where you can no longer see the light or purpose of your life because the darkness has become too heavy. Trust me, you are important, and this season has the power to bring you even closer to the Father if you release the reins and draw close to Him! Use this day to tell yourself that it’s okay not to be strong enough, brave enough, or fast enough; you are exactly who God created you to be, but without His strength and guidance, we are powerless! It’s only through Him that our callings and greatness can be fulfilled! There is no greater moment than experiencing joy while the rain falls. Don’t give up, and always look to Him!
