Life is full of them.
They are always inconvenient…sometimes unexpected…seldom easy…and never welcome.
Yet, they are unavoidable.
Surely, if we had a choice, we would “opt-out” to go the more carefree, comfortable, less-complicated route. But…(deep sigh)
Life is not a fairytale.
The reality is that WE WILL experience real, hard, and sometimes messy challenges and difficulties, whether we are prepared or not.
In those moments, it is easy to lose our way because we become so focused on how much life has changed, how difficult things are, and how ready we are to “get out.”
Sometimes, all we can do is hang on for dear life.
So what do we do when we find ourselves in unexpected, life-changing, difficult situations? What practical steps do we take when we are overwhelmed and feeling lost, afraid, lonely, helpless, and confused? How do we face the day when anxiety creeps in and places invisible chains over our minds, hearts, bodies, and souls? How do we keep going without giving up and losing hope?
While learning to care for my son after his diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes, I discovered three practical ways to live through difficult times. I pray they encourage you to move forward with resilience and hope as you go through your difficult seasons, too.
1. Take care of yourself.
Difficult times impact us more than we realize in the moment. In the first four months after my son’s diagnosis, I took very little time to care for myself. I was overly focused on making sure his diabetes was managed well. And I wanted each of my four children to feel emotionally and physically supported. I got into a daily rhythm of tending to my family’s needs without slowing down until the day was done. Even after my head hit the pillow for the night, my mind still worked overtime preparing for the next day. Over time, extreme exhaustion and anxiety set in, and I reached a breaking point.
I wanted out of this consuming cycle. In my mind, all I needed was some time away to myself and everything would be fine. But that was not an option, and I was at the end of my rope. Thanks be to God for graciously blessing me with a therapist and other wise women to show me the way! They encouraged me to take an honest look at my life and accept that I was in a difficult season. They suggested little things I could do each day to care for my whole self. And those small actions ended up making a BIG difference in my attitude, emotions, and perspective. They refreshed me (and continue to refresh me) in all the right ways.
Ultimately, I realized that taking care of myself was directly correlated to my ability to care for my family. I need to be healthy and whole in order to give them the attention and care they need and deserve. By accepting my season, refocusing my expectations, and taking care of myself, I can serve from a refreshed place. I would love for you to experience that same refreshment as you’re going through your difficult season. So, I created this one-page PDF with 25 small ways to care for your spirit, body, mind, and soul. I invite you to visit my Resources Page to download your FREE copy! You’ll be amazed at what these simple activities will do for you!
Stop pushing past your feelings and neglecting your needs because your well-being matters, too!
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
2. Let go of what you can’t control.
Difficult times show us just how much we are not in control. During diabetes management training, we learned that sickness causes elevated blood sugars and resistance to insulin, which would require increased monitoring and management. With his diabetes already requiring round-the-clock care, I did everything I could to keep him as healthy as possible. However, when the temperature dropped as summer turned to fall, he caught a cold, and my anxiety kicked into gear.
Sure enough, his blood sugar reached some of the highest levels we had seen. His endocrinology team reminded me that was normal and gave specific instructions to monitor and manage it. Even though I knew what to expect and followed their instructions, he continued to show signs of insulin resistance. I became afraid and started to worry. However, worrying only caused more anxiety. There was tightness in my chest, thoughts of all the possible “what-ifs,” and focused attention only on my son.
In my excessive worrying, I realized that I had a choice. I could continue to worry and become more stressed, OR I could CHOOSE to trust that God had what I couldn’t control under His control. Although it was not easy, I chose to trust God. And in letting go of what I could not control, I experienced unexplainable peace. Turns out, the cold ran its course and my son was fine! To remind you to release your control, I’ve created this free phone wallpaper for you. Please visit my Resources Page to download your FREE wallpaper!
(I realize that situations do not always work out as we desire. If you are struggling with the unexpected outcome of a situation, please read my post: “When God Doesn’t Come Through.”)
Give all of your worries to the Lord because He truly does care for you.
LET GO OF WHAT YOU CAN’T CONTROL!
3. Choose to believe that God is with you.
When life is hard, we are more apt to question God’s presence with us and His love for us. That was the case for me so many times before when times got tough. However, through my son’s diagnosis, I learned the power of choosing to believe God’s promise to be with us always. And when my feelings met that truth, everything changed!
Being assured of God’s presence every moment of every day has calmed my anxious thoughts and worries beyond my understanding. When I chose to believe that promise, I found God to be very real and very personal. I experienced Him as the God who sees me, knows me fully, and genuinely cares about me. I know beyond a doubt that He is WITH me wherever I go and in whatever circumstances I face.
Make no mistake, that same God who is WITH me is also WITH you. He does not leave us to walk through the hard places alone. No, He goes before us and He walks beside us as we face the challenges that life brings head-on. So as you go through difficult times, rest in the promise that our God never changes. His love never ends, His mercies never cease, and His grace never runs out. He always has His eye on you. He knows exactly where you are and what you are facing. Remind yourself of these truths every day! Please visit my Resources Page to download this FREE phone wallpaper reminder!
The Lord gives us the assurance of His presence as we go through difficult times.
CHOOSE TO BELIEVE THAT GOD IS WITH YOU!
Sister, if you are going through a difficult time right now, be assured that our God is in control, your times are in His hands, and His grace is enough to carry you through whatever you are facing. As you go through this difficult season, remember to take care of yourself and let go of what you can’t control. Entrust your life (and the lives of those you love) into the loving, capable hands of God our Father, and choose to believe that He is with you every step of the way. He holds you in the palm of His hand, and He won’t let you go because He’s A Keeper!!
Please visit my Resources page and download the FREE resources mentioned throughout this post to keep you encouraged as you go through difficult times.
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Thank you for this Melanie! Very much needed by so many of us.
You’re welcome, Minister Thomas! I’m so glad it was helpful to you.