How to Navigate a Difficulty in Your Life

To drive through life's storms, sometimes you have to grip the steering wheel and step on the gas.

Gripping the steering wheel, I drove down the road.

I hate driving in storms. Anxiety took hold as I left the sunshine behind and drove towards the dark, ominous clouds.

In the distant sky, I could see a tiny break in the clouds that allowed a small ray of sunshine to peek through. Even though it was many miles away, it brought me comfort.

Light sprinkles turned into huge drops that pounded my windshield. A few minutes later, my wipers couldn’t keep up with the intensity.

I prayed constantly while trying to stay on the road as the pouring rain made it difficult to see the lane.

I eventually drove through the storm, the rain stopped, and blue skies returned.

I took away 3 things from that experience:

1 - There is always light above the clouds.

Our trials are clouds that block our view of God. Just as the sun is always present but not always visible, we have to believe He is present and working, even when we can’t see Him clearly.

2 - My focus needs to be fixed on Him.

Focusing on the tiny stream of sunlight in the midst of storm clouds, my anxiety eased. Even though it was many miles ahead, it reminded me the storm was temporary and I would eventually drive out of it.

In the same way, we must remember our trials will not last forever. We need to continue to move forward with our eyes fixed on Him.

3 - Moving forward is the only way to reach the other side.

I couldn’t go around the storm. God doesn’t always remove the trial, so the only way to reach our destination is to travel through it.

He’s got a plan to get us where we need to go. He will provide the strength we need.

Wrapping it Up

Instead of trying to figure out how to escape, grip the steering wheel and focus on driving forward.

We do this by

• reading His Word to light our path (Psalm 119:105)

• praying and asking for wisdom and His guidance (Proverbs 2:1-6)

• trusting and obeying (John 14:15)

Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus, He’ll lead us home.

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…” Hebrews 12:1b-2a (NKJV)