God, Why Can’t I Catch a Break in Life?
Finding hope when life hurts.
“I’m sorry, but you have cancer…and not just one kind, we found two different types.”
My friend Gary was stunned. On top of this new diagnosis, he was already battling a debilitating autoimmune disease.
When too many bad things start happening in our lives, we can feel crushed by the weight of despair.
Doesn’t God care?
Discouragement can become blinders that cover our eyes. We lose sight of hope.
After all, we are doing our best to live for the Lord. Why does He allow one hard thing after another in our lives?
It can seem unfair because so many around us don’t seem to have major problems piling on them.
It’s easy to lose heart.
What can we do?
1. Be honest with God.
In spite of being overwhelmed and discouraged by our circumstances, we can draw near to Him and ask for comfort.
1 Corinthians 1:3-4a (NKJV) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation…”
We can ask God to help us feel His presence and renew our hearts.
2. Don’t lose hope.
Waiting patiently on the Lord is never easy, especially when it takes a long time before we see improvement or help.
2 Corinthians 5:7 “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
It’s easy to trust God when things are going well. When nothing makes sense, hang on to hope.
3. Don’t worry or panic.
Many times, we focus only on the bad happening right in front of us and fail to see the bigger picture.
The Bible tells us to seek God first and trust Him.
Matthew 6:33-34 “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Our situations in life will work out according to God’s sovereign plan, not ours.
Our job is to
have faith
seek truth in scripture
practice gratitude
wait patiently on the Lord
Waiting patiently is what I find most challenging at times. But, I'm learning to be fully present in those moments, instead of dwelling on how I want things to turn out. This has allowed me to experience God first-hand as He quiets my thoughts, and guides me through those moments. Thank you for posting.
Amen. Through all he challenges of the past few years, I have found peace in "be still and know that I am God," which has also given me hope and (at times) patience. God bless.