We often find ourselves in undesirable situations. Maybe things are not going the way we planned. Expectations not met. Could it be, we made some really stupid decisions or displayed some horrible attitudes that landed us in this undesirable place?
John 16:33
No matter the undesirable situation or how we landed here, we must remember that this is not the end. Jesus said, “ I have told you this so you will have peace of heart and mind. Here on earth, you will have trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 TLB). Things will look up again. How do I know this? Because Jesus already conquered it by His death on the cross! We have to learn to seek God through all circumstances and know that these very situations are what bring us closer to Him.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Thanks to Jesus’ forewarnings, we know these situations are inevitable. So instead of trying to climb out of them on our own and make ourselves even more miserable we could embrace them and grow. How in the world is that even possible? When we are in the thick of it all, at our lowest of lows, angry to the core the last thing we want to do is stop and thank God for this situation. Right!? But it is the very thing we should do. “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 TLB).
This battle we wrestle with to avoid all negative circumstances begins in our heads. In our thoughts. We have this outlandish expectation and unrealistic image of what it looks like to be downcast, heavy-hearted, wronged, or betrayed and then we sit in it as if it’s our right to wallow here for however long it takes. All the while we become distracted and pulled away from the God-given call on our lives. Isn’t that Satan’s plan all along? Why let him win?
2 Corinthians 10:5
We have the very tools in our tool belts to conquer every single circumstance and grow into the man or woman whom God has called us. “These weapons can break down every proud argument (even in our own heads) against God and every wall that can be built to keep us from finding Him. With these weapons, we can capture rebels and bring them back to God and change them into people whose hearts’ desire is obedience to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 TLB).
Matthew 5:1-13
Let’s check our attitudes at the door of each situation and sit with Jesus. He proclaimed, “Humble men are very fortunate, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them. Those who mourn are fortunate, for they shall be comforted. The meek and lowly are fortunate, for the whole wide world belongs to them. Happy are those who long to be just and good, for they shall be completely satisfied. Happy are the kind and merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
Happy are those whose hearts are pure, for they shall see God. Happy are those who strive for peace—they shall be called the sons of God. Happy are those who are persecuted because they are good, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
When you are reviled and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers—wonderful! Be happy about it! Be very glad, for a tremendous reward awaits you up in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted too” (Matthew 5:1-13 TLB).
You’re not the first to walk through undesirable situations and you won’t be the last. Don’t lose hope. Protect your attitude, hold on to your faith, and most of all remember, keep moving forward no matter how hard.
Matthew 5:14-16
Share all that you see and hear of Jesus. Don’t let your undesirable situations distract you from accomplishing this task. “You are the world’s seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see so that they will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14-16 TLB).
Focusing on the positive, while surrounded by undesirable circumstances, helps us refocus on what is important so we can draw near to Jesus. By drawing near to Jesus our light shines brighter because His light is in us. We don’t become distracted. We press forward even when it’s hard and by doing this, we light the way for others to see Jesus more clearly. The very thing God asked us to do in the first place.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In