Articles
Hold On
Circumstances and events today create a great deal of concern for all. We can get down so easily. For some, maybe many, all of this becomes too overwhelming. Each has a different personality, different background, and different experiences. I don’t understand the reaction of others. But I don’t have to understand everyone. God did not ask me to psychoanalyze others. He did command me to love others (Rom. 13: 8-10).
So how can we survive? At first, I get down, but then I remember we have an eternal hope that keeps us going. It is the anchor of our soul (Heb. 6:18). I turn off the news and then turn my head towards the heavens. I pray a simple prayer. "I trust in you God." This brings me peace. On my own I'm fearful. With God I'm faithful. I don't want to live in fear. My aim is to refuse to live in fear. I want to live a life of faith, even now more than ever. Fear says you are done. Faith says the future will be won!
I know what's going on is scary. I know the images on the television wreak havoc on our minds and souls. I know fear is at an all-time high. But I also know that a fear-filled life isn't living. This is why, now more than ever, I want to encourage each one of us to choose faith. Not tomorrow, but right now, in this moment. As we go through this, it will be a moment-by-moment choice. Further, it will all be over in a moment. We will look back and ask, “Why did I let all of this affect me so harmfully?” Realize, this is not the worst things have ever been in our world. Historically, there have been much worse times.
Navy SEAL's, who make it through Hell Week, are the ones who break down their time into moments, not days. They focus on the task at hand. They focus on the NOW. They strive to make it till mid-day. Then they strive to make it to nighttime. Then they try to make it to breakfast. Then they do it again. The ones who don't make it look too far ahead into the future. They dream of the end and lose hope in the struggle today.
I want to encourage each one of us to keep faith and hope alive in our most difficult moments. Focus on the task at hand each day. Strive to be productive and creative. Something great will come out of this for us. I truly believe that.
Don't look backward and think about what could have been. We might keep thinking how this virus stole the great year we were having and were going to have. I know I’ve struggled with this. That's a recipe for depression and despair. The truth is, we don't know what would have been. Instead we need to focus each moment creating what will be. It's okay to be fearful. But then you can choose to be faithful!
This is how you will overcome and ultimately thrive!
Rickie Jenkins
