Have you ever felt totally overwhelmed? You’re trying to do too many things at the same time, and you feel like you’re not doing any of them very well? Since Steve fell on the ice last Friday and hurt his ribs, to say that I’ve been going “90 to nothing” is an understatement. I’m stressed and I’m depressed. I feel buried under the weight of difficulties and decisions. But then, I got to thinking about a blog I wrote years ago, and the thought encouraged me. I wanted to share it with you again.
When you feel buried – perhaps, you’ve actually been planted. There is a difference. We usually bury something that we’re trying to hide. We’re covering it up or concealing it. But, when something is planted – it is put in the ground for a reason. A seed won’t grow unless it is planted. Paul came to the realization in II Corinthians 12:10 that the things which he endured were for a reason. He wrote, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (II Corinthians 12:10). We all have difficulties, even Jesus, for the Hebrews writer said, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2). Jesus endured the difficult times for He knew of the joy that was coming.
Did you know that if you rearranged the letters in the word depression – you get “I pressed on.” I love that thought. We must realize that “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalms 30:5b). God did not promise that the way would be easy – but He did promise that “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20b). We are never alone. He also promised that if we are “faithful unto death, He will give us a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). The way may not be easy, but it will be worth it!
Friends, as Paul did, we also must “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). I choose to believe that I’m not buried. I’ve been planted – perhaps “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14b). Oh, how we are simply blessed, Courtney
This was so enlightening. Somehow it was just what I needed to read today, thank you so much! I was just thinking that if I let go of what I have been holding I don’t know if I could come out of it. But if I let God help I know I can.