“The struggle you’re in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”
Lean in
Funny enough, today’s post was supposed to be something totally different, but I was lead in a completely different direction. Sometimes God places things specifically on my heart because He knows someone may need to hear it sooner rather than later. Last week was particularly rough for me. I experienced difficulties and roadblocks in every area of my life: Feelings of fatigue, frustration, discontentment, and even discouragement flooded my mind and inundated my spirit. I was completely overwhelmed! In the midst of it all, I leaned in and allowed myself to feel every emotion. To be honest, when I go through really tough situations, I have often asked why. Why me? Why now? Why is this so hard? And why do I have to learn this lesson? There have been times in my life when I wanted to quit things I’ve started although I knew it would make me stronger in the end. I still wanted to give up because it just seemed too hard and nearly impossible to get through. And sometimes at my lowest point, quoting scriptures and inspirational messages just won’t do. What I have found is this: prayer is the only solution.
Become a credible source
I am not going through this for myself. Everything I am going through and experiencing is perhaps for the goal of helping someone else. Why? Because the hardships and tough times are establishing my credibility. How can I tell someone that they are going to make it through the worst breakup of their life if I have never had my heart broken? How could I encourage someone to follow their dreams and take a risk if I have never had to do it myself? How can I tell someone that regardless of what their situation looks like, everything will be okay if I haven’t felt discouraged?
Each one, teach one
I had this exact conversation the other day with one of my best friends and she was encouraging me at a time when I was feeling down. I knew everything she said was right, but sometimes I have to hear it from someone else at times when I am too discouraged to encourage myself. The very next day, another friend called me for comfort after she received some devastating news and I was able to speak over her the exact words of encouragement I received from my friend the day before. I was able to confidently tell her, “I’ve been there, girl. You are a conqueror, all things work together for your good—and ALL things meaning both the good and the bad!”
The testimony after the test
Next time you go through a tough situation or feel hopeless and helpless, please know this: The experience is building your character, establishing your credibility, and allowing you to help someone else coming behind you. It is okay to ask why and go through all the emotions during a crisis—we are human. Difficult circumstances are sure to come, but our purpose on Earth is bigger than that. So next time you encounter a difficulty, stop and really lean in to the lesson that you need to learn and the way in which you are being developed. You never know who will need that push, that encouragement, and that testimony of credibility coming behind you!
