To everyone that has ever gone through a challenge that seemed impossible (or if you’re currently going through one right now), I get it. You’re going to get through this.
For everyone who has dealt with the pandemic, it has most certainly taken a toll on our physical health, emotional health, and for some, our spiritual health.
For me, all three was affected. And it all started almost a year ago.
A year ago, back in September, I was planning a trip up north for Labor Day weekend, and it was going to be fun. I called it a way that I could unwind and take it easy. I packed everything, got my candy, and then headed up north.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t that fun at all. The entire weekend, I didn’t get much sleep at all. I was suffering with Insomnia, and it really took a toll on me.
So much so that I was packing to go back home in the middle of the night on the day of Labor Day. Mentally and physically, this was starting to take a toll on me.
And then spiritually. I was tormented on the way home, and I cried out to God for help. I got temporary relief from what was oppressing me, but this fight continued, and it wasn’t going to be an easy one.
All throughout the week, I was not getting a lot of sleep. And then on Saturday or Sunday, that following week, it happened. I had a frightful vision of hell and I was attacked. I knew that it was spiritual because I definitely felt something that night.
Since the day that happened, I have been on message boards and tried various other means to address the problem. Everyone, if you are going through something that is similar to this, or any struggle for that matter, I advise you to do this:
- Surrender your control to God.
I mean, surrender everything. The more that you try to solve the problem yourself, the less that you’re depending on God to help you solve the problem. The book of James comes to mind here. “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” James 4:7-10 ESV
It is when we give our control to Him that we start to see a change in our recovery. This can be delayed if we do not give our control to him.
- Wait on the Lord.
So you have already surrendered to Him. Now what? You need to wait on him! And don’t quarrel or complain while you wait. Play some worship music and sing praises to Him. Is there a friend in need? Help them. Visit them. Chances are that you know someone who you can help. Babysit their kids. Buy them some groceries. Spend time with them and dine out with them somewhere. They will very much appreciate all of this. In doing this, you will be loving your neighbor (Leviticus 19:18)
- Surround yourself with some loving friends and share your hardships with them.
This is a big one. The longer you wait on this one, the worse off that you’re going to be. So if you haven’t done it today, then do it! Attend community gatherings and find some nice Christian friends to lean on. Find some close ones and have them pray with you and for you. And pray for them as well. In this way, you will be “confess[ing] your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16 ESV)
- Seek professional help.
Don’t try to solve this problem on your own. I will say it again. DON’T. Get the help of a trained psychiatrist, therapist, pastor, or Stephen Minister. And then share everything with them. They will listen and they will help you. Solomon puts it best with this proverb: “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22 ESV)
So, how did I fare with my trial? I got help and I connected with my groups. I’m still working through it but I know that I’m making good progress. Everyone, it has been a rough pandemic, with all of us going through some kind of adversity.
But remember. God is with us through it all. “For the righteous falls seven times and rises again” (Proverbs 24:16).
What you’re going through may be something very difficult. But take heart. God’s got this.
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Why The Fountain?
The purpose of this blog series is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage people during these dark and difficult times.
If you have never received Christ before, it is not too late to do so. The truth is we are all sinners and have fallen short of God’s standard. The good news is that Christ was sent to die for what we all deserved. In believing that Christ died for you, you receive Christ and become an heir with him, with the promise of eternal life. All you need to do is confess to him that you’re a sinner, ask him to come into your life and rescue you, and he will send you his Helper to be with you forever. (John 14:16-17)
At the Fountain, you will always find Living Water. Refreshing water for these difficult times.