In Trying Times, Keep Trying

In Proverbs 24:10 I read, “Don't give up and be helpless in times of trouble." (CEV)

Life is filled with things I can’t control, and many people let that keep them from pursuing the dream God has put in their heart. In the middle of uncontrollable circumstances and problems, I need to learn to live my life for God and do whatever he’s called me to do.

In other words, I control the controllable s and trust God for the rest. I can control my attitude, my reactions, and how much I trust God. Those are my choices.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, including myself, have put a lot of things on hold in life. Acting like we’re in limbo, and so do nothing. Just waiting. And getting frustrated.

I may not be able to do everything I’d like to do right now, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do something. It doesn’t mean I should coast passively and waste these days during the pandemic.

Limitations are opportunities for creativity. When our church was unable to meet in person for worship, we were more active and effective in the other four purposes of our church: fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and mission.

The first year of the pandemic could have been our worst year—and it certainly felt like the worst in many ways—yet it ended up being our church’s greatest year for starting small groups, developing disciples, launching ministries in the community, and reaching more nonbelievers than we’ve ever reached before. This happened because so many people understood that the church is far more than just a worship service. It’s family, and it is active every day of the week, not just on Sunday.

We couldn’t control how the pandemic kept us from worshiping together. But we could control how we responded and chose to use the resources that were still available to us.

Proverbs 24:10 says, “Don’t give up and be helpless in times of trouble” (CEV).

Have I stopped trying? Have I given up on something because I lost control of some part of it?

During trying times, I’ve got to keep trying. There is a lot of trouble in the world right now, but I’m not helpless. I need to look up and outside of myself. Change my attitude. Take stock of my resources and use them to help others.

This could be my greatest year.

In summary, In times of trouble, I shouldn’t give up and be helpless. Life is filled with things I can’t control, and I’m letting that keep me from pursuing the dream God has put into my heart. So in the middle of uncontrollable circumstances and problems, I need to continue to learn to live my life for God and do whatever he’s called me to do. I control the controllables and then trust God for the rest. My choices are to control my attitude, my reactions, and how much I trust God. During the pandemic, I put a lot of things on hold. Doing nothing and just waiting. I may not be able to do everything I’d like to do, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do something. It doesn’t mean I should coast passively and waste these days. Limitations are opportunities for creativity. I can control how I respond and choose to use the resources that are still available to me. Have I stopped trying? Have I given up on something because I lost control of some part of it?  During trying times, I’ve got to keep trying. I’m not helpless. I need to look up and outside of myself. Change my attitude. Take stock of my resources and use them to help others.

Times of trouble can be useful. They can show me who I really am, and what kind of character I have developed. In addition, they can help me grow stronger. When Jeremiah questioned God because of the trouble and adversity he faced, God asked how he ever expected to face big challenges if the little ones tired him out. Don't complain about my problems. The trouble I face today is training me to be strong for the more difficult situations I will face in the future.