Today’s topic is “Something difficult about your “lot in life” and how you’re working to overcome it.” This is probably the hardest topic I have had to write about so far in the May Challenge for a couple of reasons – 1). I don’t really think I have anything too difficult that is worth writing about and 2). that very thing makes me fearful to write on paper, afraid I’m asking for a big storm to hit.
I’ve grown up, in my opinion, very blessed. Went to a Christian school, had both parents under one roof and involved, fit in with kids at school, played sports, got a scholarship to college, married an awesome guy, and have a healthy baby. Sure, we all have difficult times, but nothing anyone else probably doesn’t struggle with. If I had to say anything it would be the following two things:
1). My older sister had a baby a week after turning 17 (I was in 8th grade), which was a difficult time in our family’s life, but couldn’t have been more difficult for anyone but my sister and parents. It was probably the first big “struggle” in my life, but it actually has made me a better person in so many ways, and I can’t imagine not having my niece. Can you imagine a church staff member’s daughter getting pregnant at a Christian school (my mom was on staff)? I know people judged which really ticks me off. I know for a fact majority of girls (then and now) were having sex before marriage, they just got lucky and didn’t get pregnant. I’m thankful for my sister’s true friends that encouraged her and for members of our church that supported my parents also. It has really taught me to not judge someone based on what you see or hear. You truly never know the full extent of a situation. Ever hear that saying “Be careful to point a finger because you have four other fingers pointing back at you.” Yep, that’s all I’m going to say.
2). I would have to say another difficulty I always struggle with for me personally is my perfectionism. I love being a perfectionist, but at the same time it causes me lots of grief and sin. Trying to be perfect physically. Trying to be a perfect mother, wife, friend, Christian, etc. Trying to have a perfect house. It will NEVER be perfect, which then turns me to worry and stress. This is so wrong and sinful. God teaches me daily through this struggle.
What do I do to overcome it? PRAY and READ SCRIPTURE.
A long time ago, my husband (boyfriend at the time) sent me this verse and it’s been one I sight over and over again when I worry.
Matthew 6:25-34 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life .”
That last line really says it all! Worry doesn’t make it better and in fact, does more harm. My husband is so good at this. It’s definitely one of his traits that encourages me! It’s so comforting knowing that the Lord will take care of me. No need to worry. That’s not to say you shouldn’t work hard in all areas of life, but simply do my best and know God is in control. That’s the best thing about being a Christian. You never have to face struggles alone and you have the God of this world on your side. There’s nothing He can’t handle!
Praying is the best go to for whatever the circumstance may be!