What works when life has just kicked your feet out from under you? You know . . . the kind of event (or series of events) where you find yourself laying flat on your back with the wind knocked out of you. You’re dazed and confused.
Where do we go from there? Do we bounce back up on our feet? Not in these kinds of circumstances. Do we struggle with anger, frustration, bewilderment, depression, and/or bitterness?
What works to weather the storms of life? I’ve been there. My last trip to a combat zone was extremely challenging. It was war at its worst. My world turned dark, and there seemed to be no answers. I was frustrated, confused, and disappointed. I sought out a Christian colleague I felt I could trust for some guidance. How did he help? He gave me a good ‘ole Christian cliché, “Trust God brother.” Unfortunately, many well intentioned Christians tend to give clichés during tough times.
A cliché is “a phrase, expression, or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its intended force or novelty, especially when at some time it was considered distinctively forceful or novel.”
You’ve heard them: “I’ll pray for you.” “Let go and let God.” “You know, God loves you.” “Have faith.” “What would Jesus do in your situation?” “God said it. I believe it. That settles it.”
What works for me when life kicks my feet out from under me? The basics: personal Bible study, prayer, Christian fellowship, and accountability. Even when focusing on the basics God can be silent at times. When He is silent I am drawn to this inscription found in a Jewish hideout in Nazi Germany,
“I believe in the sun even when it is not shining.
I believe in love even when not feeling it.
I believe in God even when He’s silent.”
Are you laying flat on your back dazed and confused with the wind knocked out of you? Hold on tight my friend, and focus on the basics. I understand how you feel.
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2 responses so far ↓
Joe Rohaly // April 22, 2008 at 5:51 pm
You are so very on course. God is a personal being. We all have Him in us. We are one with Him. There have been times in my life when I was flat on my back without energy to move. Somehow, I was able to muster the courage and strength to get through the moment. When my wife had her heart attack, when she went on dialysis, when she declared she wanted to go into hospice, all of those moments, I lay on my back helpless. Each time, I struggled to get back on my feet. Each time, it was God who gave me the inner strength to get through the minute. I survived by asking God to get me through the next minute or the next hour.
Stay positive and find the good in all things negative.
FaithAndFitness // April 26, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Joe those are some great thoughts! I agree with you about focusing on the next step–the short term goals–to help get through the tough times. I’ve found that once I get through a struggle and look back I see God was with me the whole time even though I didn’t feel His presence.
- Coach Greg
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