MY BLOGS

This is not part of my current “Let Go Of…” Series. But the hardships in my own family over the past seven months compelled me to share what is pulling us through this time. I hope that this will be helpful to you too in times of suffering.

The news channels are blasting bad news about COVID19 pandemic, earthquakes, wars, hurricanes, flash floods, race and political unrest and people suffering across the world. Peoples’ lives are shaken, and dreams are shattered. In the current war-stricken countries people are exposed to persecution, prosecution, and execution for their faith in Christ. I can’t even imagine what it feels like to live in fear of losing your life at any moment.

Some of the above-mentioned hardships hit close to home over the last seven months. We lost long time school buddies, acquaintances, friends, colleagues and family. The loss took on different forms: car accident, cancer, heart attack, COVID19, and even suicide. Cancer and strokes continue taking its toll on family members and friends. Decisions implemented by our employers increased economic and work stress while our already battered souls are still recovering from the ongoing effects of COVID19 and social distancing.

It seems bad news were the only news. “It never rained but it poured” for months on end. My pastor said you are either coming out of a storm or going into a storm−not very comforting especially when you are going through a crisis and looking forward to better days.

What about you? Maybe you too struggle to remember in the heat of the moment when the aches, pains and worry of your COVID sickness are overwhelming. Or your child’s sickness causes sleepless nights. And your adult parent’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis let you wonder what the future holds? Or you’re still trying to wrestle through the grief of losing your sister when your mom suddenly pass away and your spouse decides to end the marriage. The struggle is different and real for each one of us.

I am so sorry for your trials and tribulations. Yes, I know it’s hard to hold it together, to stay calm, to be friendly, and to express kindness to others, when all you want to do, is yell at the top of your voice “Leave me alone! Can’t you see the battle that I am fighting?” You would prefer to run as far as you could, never to return ever and hope all is a bad dream.

Sometimes I could hardly breathe. I felt overwhelmed, consumed and burnt out.

How do we take heart and proceed in good spirit moving forward when we are faced with these kinds of situations? How do we work through our doubts wondering if God even cares?

I wish I could say that I managed well and navigated through these hardships without any hiccups. But that was not always the case. Though, I did learn to lean into Scriptures during these hard times and to stay connected to my anchor of Hope.

Here are some wisdom that I gained from Jesus and other Biblical characters. Jesus forewarned us that we will have many trials and sorrows in this world, but Jesus, our anchor of hope walked before us and overcame the world. (1. John 16:33)

The Old Testament Prophet, Isaiah, ensured us that we will not drown in the deep waters or rivers of difficulty, or burned up or consumed by the fire of oppression, because God is with us and Jesus is our Savior. (2. Isaiah 43: 2 – 3a).

Paul, an apostle of Christ, added that we are hard pressed by troubles, but we will not be destroyed. Our hope is in our Immanuel (God with us) God that will never abandon us. (3. 2 Corinthians 4: 8 – 9)

Habakkuk, another Old Testament Prophet, complained to God about injustice. At times he trembled with fear. But he resolved by singing a worship song (Habakkuk 3) over his circumstances. He waited on the Lord with expectation (4. Habakkuk 2: 1b) and seek comfort in his choice to rejoice in the Lord and abandon in God’s Sovereignty in spite of his circumstances. He trusted God for strength. (5. Habakkuk 3: 17 – 19)

This is the time to hold onto the truth of God’s nearness in our difficulties:

  • Do not succumb to the overpowering feelings of fear and hopelessness.

  • Push back the darkness by continued communication with our Lord. Talk with God while you’re driving, walking, preparing dinner−you get the gist. Tell God how you feel and what you think. The Psalms give me permission to pour out my heart to God like David did.

  • Listen to worship music and sing along.

  • Connect with your spiritual family. Yes, we don’t feel like it, but this is the time to stay connected in your community of faith. They will love, support, and pray for you.

  • Carve out time daily to be quiet and lean into Scriptures. Be still and wait quietly and with expectation on God. God is never late nor early.

  • Like Habakkuk, abandon in God’s Sovereignty despite your circumstances. Whatever hardships, either by your own wrong choices or the sins of others, it is allowed in your life by God. But we can trust that God will use it for good. (6. Genesis 50: 20a) and (7. Romans 8: 28)

  • Trust God for strength to take one step at a time.

  • Choose to rejoice because God is our Savior and He’s still good.

Friend let’s stay connected to our source of Hope. Let’s cheer on each other in the race we’re running. Let me know how I can help.

Let me pray for you:

Lord, I lift up all who are overwhelmed today by bad news, tragic circumstances, failing strength and health, lost and without hope. God, you are our hope. We know that this is not our home, but that you prepared a place for us where there will be no terror, no wars, no pain, no broken relationships, no Alzheimers, no hunger pains, no divorce, no cancer, no shattered dreams, no COVID or other sickness, no disasters, and no tears. Until we meet you Lord, fill us with your peace that transcends all understanding no matter what we face. Give us strength for the next step. Make us aware of your presence and love for us. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Until Next Time

Anita Beukman

Your Hope Coach

Click on this link SCRIPTURES IN TIMES OF HARDHIPS to find the references Scriptures as a download.