Are you currently struggling to make sense of where you are in life? Maybe you’re wondering why everyone else seems to be leading a successful, fun life except you. You’ve done all you know to do but you just seem to be experiencing a personal slump that’s threatening to last forever. Maybe you’re afraid of attending reunions because, well, life hasn’t turned out the way you planned. Trust me, you’re not alone.
Feeling stagnate in life is an incredibly frustrating experience. Dreams die, plans go nowhere it’s all a devastating blow to ones’ self-confidence. It is easy to feel unworthy, unloved, slow, or like a failure when, like a broken down vehicle all we can do is watch everyone else speed past. So how does one make sense of such situations? How can you continue to move forward in confidence instead of retreating in fear and insecurity? There’s plenty of hope in God’s word.
1. Trust God’s timing and do your part.
“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.” Ecclesiastes 9:11 (KJV)
Ever wondered how it happens that someone, seemingly out of nowhere, shoots to the limelight and does incredible things, and then years later drops off as new people take center stage? This happens every time, whether in sports, entertainment or any other field. This is the mystery of time and chance. Our efforts matter; working hard does make a difference, but success is not all about what we do. Our times and chances are in the hands of the Lord.
So if you’re working hard and doing what needs to be done, don’t give up or be discouraged when things don’t happen on your timing. Trust the One who holds your life in His hands. He is always on time!
2. Explore God’s promises concerning your situation
God’s word is full of promises and hope for every believer. These are potent and powerful words that do not return void (Read Isaiah 55:11) which means they do not fail; they always produce results. God doesn’t go to sleep when He speaks over you, neither should you.
“The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled.” Jeremiah 1:12 (NIV)
If God will do His part, then you certainly have to do yours. Declare the word He has spoken over you, meditate on it, believe it and it will produce result in your life. Explore the logos (the written word, the Bible) for promises that speak to your situation, then ask God for Rhema (a revealed word, specifically for you and your situation). Hold on to that, never let it go.
If you’re trusting God’s word and the promises He gives, you will have strength to withstand the lies that plague your mind when you consider the success of others in the light of your own struggles.
3. Rejoice with others
When others make huge strides and experience success, rejoice with them. Genuinely. Pursue the good of others because you know that their success does not mean you have failed or are less than. This may seem like a simple enough principle, but it is easy to get trapped by jealousy and offense. This kind of mindset is toxic and does no good for your state of mind and future.
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” - Romans 12:15 (NIV)
It is what you should do. It is what God wants us to do.
4. Speak to your heart
There will be times when you have done all of the above—you trust God, you know what His word says, you believe the personal revelations He has given you about your future and you’re genuinely interested in the success of others—yet, you still want to toss that invitation in the trash, avoid that former classmate in the street or talk yourself down in a moment of weakness. This is when you should speak the truth to yourself. You are more than your struggles. There’s more to you than the fact that you didn’t finish college, haven’t gotten that dream job or are still single. You have something to offer, something to say and joy to bring to the lives of others. Show up with confidence even when you least feel like it. You are sending a message to your subconscious and to the enemy that you will not be limited by your circumstances. Keep learning. Stay current on developments in your field. Connect with people. Make the best of every day.
You know how we say, “your confidence is in Christ not in external things?” Well, this is a good time to live out that truth. You will find that people will respect you and be inspired by you. Best of all you will attract good things into your life by staying positive. And just like that the very thing that was meant to pull you under becomes an opportunity to explore your faith and inspire others, too.
Don’t ever give up on God’s promises because He will never give up on you!
