How To Find The Strength To Keep Going

I have had three family members get into some type of car accident over the last month or two. And after the accident, each one of them asked some version of “Why me?”, “what have I done?”, and “How much more will I have to deal with?”

Have you been there?

I know I have – and I will bet that you have too.

Sometimes I felt like I did not have the capacity for one more thing to go wrong. I had reached my limit and was teetering on the edge. And I was sure that one more thing would send me over it.

I vividly remember being in that place. It was tough.

So, when I heard these questions from my loved ones, it took me back because I knew where those questions were coming from. I knew the state they were in and I empathized with them. I knew this accident was essentially one of their last two straws. Meaning they were likely on the brink of bottoming out.

Why me?

What have I done?

How much more stuff will I have to deal with?

I thought about their questions and here is some version of what I told them.

I don’t know why you.

I don’t know why now.

I don’t know how much more may be coming your way.

I’ll tell you like my daughter often says, “Life be lifeing.” You don’t have to do anything for life to happen. As long as you’re breathing, you will be experiencing life.

And I know it may feel like it now, but you are not alone.

We all have moments that feel like all the walls around us are tumbling down. You may feel like you had to have done something wrong to be going through what you’re going through. While I won’t dismiss the truth that we reap what we sow, it’s not always about something you’ve done. In either case, God is more merciful than we could imagine.

Problems seldom show up at a convenient time. As a matter of fact, they often show up at the worst times. But I can tell you wallowing in self-pity won’t help you. It only prolongs the time you spend “in the valley.”

And because you’re overwhelmed with problems and how bad you feel, the solution is hidden from you – at least temporarily.

I do know this to be true – nothing catches God by surprise.

Whatever you’re going through, God can help you through it. You need only to ask Him.

I love how real we can be with God. Moses, King David, and the prophets had real conversations with God. They expressed their complaints several times regarding their situations. But at the end of their complaints, they trusted God. They knew He was sovereign, merciful, just, all-knowing, all-powerful, and they had his ear.

As children of God, we have God’s ear. He loves us and He hears us when we pray. Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 46:1 (NLT) says God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

So, when you’re spiraling out of control and feeling overwhelmed, do this:

1. Steal away to a quiet place.
2. Take several deep breaths.
3. Pray and listen for God’s guidance.
4. Triage what’s within your control.
5. Take intentional action.

Jesus can hold our heavy. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.

His grace is sufficient for you. If you ask him for help and trust Him to help you, He will.

Cry if you must. Feel the anger. Feel the frustration. Or whatever you feel.

Have your moment but get back up and keep going.

You are not without hope.

You are a child of God.

You can do everything through Christ, who gives you strength!

Be Blessed!