I’ve recently completed a very stressful season of my life and at the elderly age of 63 (LOL!), I’ve found it more difficult than ever to deal with stress. In comparison to this stressful season, the other seasons in my life didn’t seem that stressful. Of course, they were, but looking back, many of those “stressful” times weren’t really stressful at all–in comparison.
Because these past months were so difficult, I’ve found my “stress muscles” have become stronger. Evidently, they had become very weak because what was required of me seemed overwhelming. I was faced with projects that I hadn’t done before and there were decisions that needed to be made that were very significant. And the people I dealt with were–seemed–particularly difficult. (By the way, I’m not referring to any loved ones. They were all people associated with my assignments).
I want to share this because God deserves the glory for His
strengthening arm of power during this time. He was faithful and powerful to empower me for those challenges. Over and over again I prayed, “God, this seems overwhelming. I don’t know what to do. I don’t know the right thing to do. I am over my head and I’m completely confused and ignorant of this whole area. Help me!”
Of course, I did have loving people in my life who were alongside me in this and especially my husband, Larry, was supportive. But in the past I would have dumped the work onto others without even seeking God’s help. This time, I knew God was calling me to step out of my comfort zone and be in charge. I needed to depend upon God and not skirt the responsibility.
And God guided me. When I felt overwhelmed and confused, the Spirit of God led, whispering, “Step by step, in My power, do the next thing.” I can’t tell you how many times I claimed, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I told myself “Just do the next thing in God’s power.” And I continued to cry out, “Help me, God, I don’t know how to do this!”
If you are feeling overwhelmed or confused, cry out to God and then step out in faith. Do the next thing He brings to you. Claim His promise that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. He is there for you and He loves you. He cares for every little thing you are facing. There is nothing He doesn’t care about. Nothing is “too small” or “too large.”
Trust Him to come through for you. I know He will.
Photo credit: http://trcs.wikispaces.com/Through+the+Eyes+of+Vladek+Speigelman