For the past few weeks, this question has been going around and around in my brain. For a while, everything was going along rather smoothly. Brad’s job was going well, the kids were enjoying their summer vacation, and I was actually writing. (Somewhat consistently, even.)
Then, BOOM.
God changed it all up on me. Instead of everything continuing according to my plan, He gave me a speed bump. For a number of years, I have had issues on and off with my back. So, when that familiar twinge returned, I was pretty discouraged.
After all, I had all of these wonderful things planned this summer! We were going to go places and do fun things as a family. I had just planned out five series of blog posts and had actually created an editorial calendar. Then, to top it all off, I had even looked into going back to school to get a Master’s Degree in Theology.
So, when I went down for the count, I truly started questioning it all. And, when getting no answers, I completely shut down.
Now, there comes a time when you have to get out of the funk. But, how is it even possible?
Realistically, I figured I wasn’t the only person in history who had ever been depressed. And, I knew I had a resource I could turn to, as well as many wonderful friends and family members who wanted nothing more than to help me. But, I just wasn’t having it. I didn’t want to. I was too upset and frustrated.
And, boy – what a vicious cycle it all becomes.
Then, throughout the mundane routine of appointments and the same thing over and over again, the question would randomly resurface:
What does God want from me?
Not really sure. But, I do know He does not want me to sit in a chair or lie in a bed day in and day out just biding my time. So, if this is His plan for me at this moment – if this is what is supposed to be happening in my physical life right now – I guarantee He does not want my brain to be idle.
So, I gave in and started searching for the answers.
What DOES God want from me? What does He want from anyone who is going through a difficult time? After a lot of praying and searching for answers in my Bible, here are some ideas I found.
Have faith in Him and His plan
This one has been pretty challenging for me. If you have ever struggled with a sudden physical limitation, you know how hard it can be to, all of a sudden, being out of commission. Things you used to be able to accomplish so quickly and rather effortlessly are now extremely difficult and some are impossible. So, in order to remember that my life is really not my own, and I am only here because of God and how He wants to use me, I have repeated this verse over and over during the past few weeks:
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Pray faithfully – and be specific
I’ve prayed a lot. And, if you have had challenges, I would imagine you prayed as well. But, one thing that I realized I wasn’t doing was being specific in my prayers. And, in all honesty, I know I wasn’t being faithful in my prayers. It had gotten to the point where I was just so frustrated. Although I hadn’t really given up, I surely wasn’t trying or fostering hope that things would get better any time soon.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer Romans 12:12
Seek and find encouragement
I know God did not make us to be discouraged. Granted, we will all go through trials at some point in our lives. But, we need to have faith that those are all part of His plan. (See #1…) There were many times when I just wanted to crawl up and stay in bed for the day – or week. But, I knew that, in the end, that wouldn’t help me either. So, instead, I continued to go to church, and Midweeks, and Bible Talks, and Bible Studies, and met with my Discipling Group. While I can’t say I was the most enthusiastic participant, I figured it couldn’t hurt. And, for the most part, I left more encouraged than when I came. So, I guess all we need to do is follow the verse below.
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Submit to His plan – not get angry with Him
This was (and still is) a bit difficult for me. As someone who really loves to be in control of my life, I really struggle with relinquishing that power. Again, I need to remind myself that it is not really mine to begin with! There, but, for the grace of God go I.. (J. Bradford).
Submit, submit, submit. I’ve written about it and thought about it and prayed about it often enough. You’d think it would sink in, right? Well, not always. So, here is the verse I found to help me remember this one…
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift. You up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6-7
Continue to work
Thankfully, my mind is still working, and my fingers can still type. So, really, what is the excuse? It seems as though if one thing is ailing us, the whole body goes on strike. So, instead of allowing one part of the system to bring down the whole ship, we need to keep on. That is often times much easier said than done, though. So, to help us remember to keep on doing the work God wants us to, here is another verse.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17
Be a Light
No matter what is going on in my life, God can use me. He wants us to continue to share and be a witness for Him – at all times. Even if we do not understand His ways or His timing, we know and trust that He knows best. Therefore, we must continue to give Him glory. We must be the ones to show the way and encourage others.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts and the God of all comfort, who comforts us all in our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Stay in the Word
Continue reading the Bible daily and having Quiet Times. Not gonna lie. This was a struggle for me as well. But, it didn’t hurt when I needed to plan for a Bible Talk or a Bible Study. Or, when I met with my D-Group and we discussed different verses, etc. As much as I maybe didn’t feel like or even want to get into the Word, I did it anyway. I had to. Not only am I a true rule-follower, check out #3…
Jesus said it Matthew 4,
‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ Matthew 4:4
What Did I Learn?
Those are the 7 principles I found when I began to attempt to answer that recurring question,
What does God want from me?
I know this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what God asks of us during trying situations, but they sure helped me change my focus. Instead of dwelling on my current physical limitations, they refocused my thoughts and energies on the correct target: God.
Perhaps that’s the answer to the question.
What DOES God want from me? Me.
Not just my body attending functions. Not only my half-hearted random prayers. Not some angry and petulant ‘child’ who is just going through the motions to pass the time. Maybe He wants my mind, my thoughts, my prayers, my desires.
Maybe God just wants ALL of me — All of us.
It is way too easy to get by in this world appearing as though we are doing all that we are called to. But God knows the truth. And, if we’re honest with ourselves, so do we. The best part is, He has given us everything we need to get through any situation – Himself. The hard part is that in order to take full advantage of that amazing gift, we have to give Him all of ourselves.
And, when I think I about it, why wouldn’t I want to give Him my broken body? Why wouldn’t I want to change it out for what He has to offer me? In the end, it seems kind of silly, doesn’t it?
Your Thoughts?
What do you think God wants from us when we are struggling? Again, I know I just scratched the surface with these ideas. I would love to hear what verses have helped you get through trying times. I can’t wait to hear from all of you!
