Batlles are hard!

by Michele Boy | August 22, 2024

I read a quote the other day that hardship draws you closer to God. While it may be true, I don’t feel a bright shiny light warming my heart, thanking God, singing Hallelujah. In fact, in the middle of the storms, I feel lost, discombobulated, uncomfortable, and question whether I am on the right path or not. I don’t sleep well, I overthink, and I worry!
  Yet somehow I picture that it’s supposed to be me praying to God and a peace overflows my emotions and I no longer worry about anything. 
But even writing that down on paper sounds ridiculous. 
  We go through troubles. Yes some are minor irritations that we could and should be able to handle a little better. But others are big and heavy and can keep you up at night. A quick “please God help” doesn’t usually fix things. 
I have been battling an issue for a number of months now and it is wearing on me. I get tired of it and frustrated. Will we ever get through this?
  I am keeping it vague because I think everyone can relate on some level. And I don’t want  people to say oh that’s not a big deal compared to ...
  Battles are hard! Battles aren’t instant relief. They are long, arduous, and sometimes feel endless without hope. 
But today I had an epiphany. Going through this battle, I am stronger, tougher, and more knowledgeable than I was before. 
  Did I want the battle? No. Am I stronger for it? Yes. 
Do I appreciate that I didn’t have to go through it alone? Absolutely.
  While it isn’t over yet, I realize my battles are like strengthening muscles. From the outside looking in, my prayers may be incredibly whiny - God I’m exhausted, can you make this problem go away. I’m tired of it!! 
  But a little perspective is I am further today through the battle than I have ever been. I know more. I have won battles before. 
I will simply say there are a number of people I know who are all in their own battles. I often pray for them to be free from the pain and the agony of their troubles.    
  Maybe the prayer should be God if you can’t take the pain away, give them strength for the fight! And lead them in the right direction. 
  Tim McGraw sang if you’re going through hell keep on going. 
  So if you are in a battle right now keep going. But look for direction from God because His ways aren’t always our ways. 
And the outcome is not always the way we pictured it. 
  So how do we draw closer to God durning these battles? 
 Maybe it’s acknowledging the pain, something I am not good at. 
Then maybe finding gratitude in the suffering like thank you God for a good night’s rest, or I have another day with my family. Or thank you for the sunset?
  I think helping someone else is good too. It can make your troubles a little smaller or at least get the focus off of them for a bit.
  Taking time for self care is good too. There won’t be a lot of time for it, but even a few minutes out in the sun can help!
  Oh yea, opening your bible too.
And acknowledging His ways aren’t our ways and we won’t understand it all.
  There are a few things in my life that are going well and I am grateful for them! When my focus is there, I do much better!
  Is the battle heavy right now for you? I pray everyone reading this finds some joy in the day, some relief, some laughter.
  I woke up today had some coffee and got my daughter off to school. She was happy as can be. 
But the house is a little emptier and I was a little depressed. 
 I didn’t feel like going for a walk, doing work, etc. It would be easy for me to fall deeper into a funk. 
  Instead I said yes. I went for the walk and felt better! 
Is everything rosy again?
No, but it was a step. 
 There is a funny video circulating where a woman says I am depressed. The narrator says Did you drink any water? She responds no. He asks did you go for a walk? She answers no.
He continues - Did you turn off the television? No. Did you do anything to help yourself? No. 
  The video makes me laugh but it is also a good reminder. One step at a time is the only way through.  
And also a reminder you are stronger than you know.
 Keep on the sunny side.
  Quick plug on my book Tales from the 5 am hour. Sales have gone well and would love some Amazon reviews please. They push the book higher to get more views. 
Thanks for all the great feedback and support. It means a lot to me!
  See you next week!