Tag Archives: get through a hard time

10 Ways to Get Through a Hard Time

Leave a reply

Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from going through hard times. Sometimes it’s hard to know what to do. Here are 10 ways to get through a hard time...

10 Ways to Get Through a Hard Time

Have you been going through a hard time?  Sometimes as a Christian, we feel like we should always have it “put together” and know how to handle trials, struggles and bad circumstances.  Unfortunately, being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from going through a hard time.  Jesus told us as much…

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

However, sometimes it’s just hard to know what to do in the midst of the trouble.  Sometimes we already know what to do, we just need someone to remind us or to confirm what we already know.

Previously we talked about the difficulties of going through a transition and discussed some strategies to navigate through the process.  Because transitions often include “hard times”, this week I thought I would share 10 ways that I, personally, get through a hard time.  This is kind of my go-to list of things to do (even when and ESPECIALLY when I don’t feel like it).  

Do the right thing even when you don’t feel like it, and the feelings will follow. 

Click To Tweet

Take Some Practical Steps—10 Ways to Get Through a Hard Time:

Continue reading →

Be Thankful–Remember What God Has Done

Leave a reply

Be Thankful Remember What God Has Done

Be Thankful–Remember What God Has Done

“I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1 (ESV) 

Thanksgiving seems to be a good time to reflect on what God has done for us, positive memories, blessings, and just things in general for which we’re thankful (for us U.S. folks anyhow!).  When my kids were younger, I used try to find some type of Thanksgiving craft-like activity each year to do this with them.

Sometimes we’d write down things we we’re thankful for on construction paper feathers and then glue the feathers to a paper turkey.  Sometimes we’d do the same thing on paper leaves and post leaves around as decoration, and we’d even made paper link chains before where each link listed an item of thanks (this encouraged them to think of more than just a few items in order to have a chain long enough to hang!).  Previously, I also posted several ways to try to stay thankful like this year round.

Thanksgiving is a good time to reflect on what God has done for us!

Click To Tweet

Remember 3 things God has done

When I teach at Glory House I do an activity with them somewhat similar to these Thanksgiving activities (even when it’s not Thanksgiving time).  Unfortunately, I can’t take credit for the idea though!  I think I first heard this tip from one of our pastors at church years ago.  I was taught to write down 3 things that God has brought me through, brought me to or delivered me from. They could be what God has done through victories, ways God has come through for me or has been faithful to me, answered prayers, etc.  I was then told to keep this list handy and reflect on it or refer back to it when I’m going through a rough time when things seem hopeless or bleak.

The ladies love when we do this activity.  They also usually come up with more than three, but three things are typically pretty easy to come up with and recall.  It’s just a good way to remember what God has done.  It helps us to think positively and gives us the mindset “He did it before.  He’ll do it again.” or “He helped me with that.  He’ll help me with this too.”

Remember what God has done by finding a symbol

Continue reading →

How to Use Our Spiritual Authority Against the Enemy

2 Replies

How to Use Our Spiritual Authority Against the Enemy title image

How to Use Our Spiritual Authority Against the Enemy

Recently I wrote on authority. We discussed the importance of knowing we have God-given authority which is backed by God’s power, and we also hit on the importance of using that authority instead of sitting idly by waiting for God to move. I think so many Christians don’t realize the power that we have available to us and through us because of Jesus. In that previous post we talked about the history, foundation, and basis of our authority. This week I’d like to go a little further into what it looks like to build our confidence and practically use that spiritual authority, especially in situations of spiritual warfare or attacks from the enemy.

As a quick recap…

God owns the earth (Psalm 24:1). When God created humans, he gave us spiritual authority to act as his stewards (Genesis 1:26-28, Hebrews 2:5-8). Then Adam sinned and passed that authority over to Satan (Luke 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 John 5:19, Ephesians 2:2). Later, Jesus came and restored that authority (Matthew 28:18, Romans 5:17-21, Colossians 1:20). Then, Jesus transferred this authority back to his followers (Matthew 16:19, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 10:19, John 20:21-22, Acts 1:8, Luke 24:47).

As the body of Christ, we have authority to do the works of Jesus in the world today. It is our responsibility to resist and stand against the enemy.

“Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.” Luke 10:19 (NLT)

“These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.” Mark 16:17-18 (NLT)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:8-9 (NIV)

“Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Ephesians 6:11 (NLT)

Remind them of who they are

When praying about this post I believe I heard God say, “Remind them of who they are.” In order to start confidently using our God-given spiritual authority against the enemy, we need to know that we are God’s children, and that we have the one true and only God on our side to back us up and empower us. Additionally, we need to know that God has already promised us victory.

We are children and heirs of God himself!

Continue reading →

We Have Authority

2 Replies

We have authority title image

We Have Authority—It’s time to start using it!

I mentioned in a recent post about God’s power in us that I’ve been working on writing some posts about spiritual warfare and encountering Satan and evil spiritual and supernatural forces. Some of the most important things we need to know when engaging in spiritual warfare is that we have power and authority from God. Therefore, this post is primarily going to be focusing on instruction on the authority that God gives us and encouragement to start using that authority.

It’s so important that we discuss authority because if we don’t know we have it, we won’t use it. This is like a $100 bill in your pocket that you don’t know is there! If you don’t use it, it won’t do you any good. It reminds me of the time when I had sold my college textbooks back to the bookstore at the end of the semester and pocketed my refund. I packed that pair of pants away and forgot that the money was in my pocket. Several months went by when that money would have come in really handy. I had the money the whole time. I just wasn’t aware of it and didn’t use it. That is, until one day when I wore those pants again and stuck my hand in my pocket. That was a great day!

What IS authority and why is it important?

Authority is delegated power. It’s a power granted to one person by someone else who is IN authority. Authority is being in charge, in control, or in command. The person in authority is the one legally giving the orders, and the ones to whom those orders are given MUST comply.

As a Christian, we have authority over the enemy, given to us by God (more about this throughout the post).

This is important because if God gave us authority over the enemy, that then means WE are the ones in charge and the enemy must comply. Or as a child might put it, the devil is “not the boss of us” or our situations and circumstances. Therefore, we need to stop acting like he is and stop acting like we’re powerless.

There needs to be authority for things to be in place. Satan always wants to stop it. However, the devil and his forces HAVE to recognize our influence as believers.

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (KJV)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (NIV)

Where does authority come from?

If authority is delegated power, then where does it come from? All authority comes from God.

“Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.” Romans 13:1 (NLT)

The value of authority rests in the power behind it. God is the power behind our influence. When we use our God-given authority, HIS power backs us up.

Even Jesus was under God’s authority. He was not out doing his own works in his own name. Jesus does what God does or God’s will.

“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.” John 5:19 (NLT)

“I can do nothing on my own. I judge as God tells me. Therefore, my judgment is just, because I carry out the will of the one who sent me, not my own will.” John 5:30 (NLT)

We are also under God’s authority. James 4:7 says that we should submit ourselves to God, then resist the devil and he will flee. To “submit” here indicates that to get our power and influence we have to obey and follow the one who gives it to us. Subordinates not obeying or submitting their upper authority will get their own power revoked. This means that we have to FIRST be submitted to God under HIS authority (to his teaching and his Word), just as Jesus was. We must follow and obey God and his Word. This submission to a higher authority then gives us our authority within which we operate and have power, God’s power working with and through us.

How authority works on the earth…Is God REALLY in control?

Continue reading →

This Will Change How You View Stress

Leave a reply

Read this post to change how you view stress...

This Will Change How You View Stress 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV) 

To complement last week’s post about being stressed out, I thought we’d revisit a previous post on a different way of looking at stress…

This past week in my college classes we were discussing stress…including its symptoms, causes, advantages, disadvantages, and how to manage it.  Since we are all about being Happy, Healthy and Prosperous at this website, I thought it fitting to discuss stress here too since it can have an impact on all three areas…our happiness, our prosperity and definitely our health.

The dictionary defines stress as physical, mental or emotional strain or tension.  Things that happen in our life can contribute to strong feelings of worry or anxiety.  We can also feel stress when a variety of demands on us increase or when we feel threatened by a situation.  There are many things that can factor in or add to stress, and most commonly stress has a negative connotation.  Stress can, however, be leveraged for good if balanced properly.

In class I showed a TED Talk video about how to make stress your friend.  This video greatly changed the way I have always perceived stress.  After viewing it myself, I immediately wanted to share it with my friends and family.  I would also like to share it here.  The video is about 14 minutes long, but it’s well worth the watch when you have the time.  Who knows…It may even prolong and enhance your life!  If you don’t have time to watch it now, I highly encourage you to bookmark the video link page and watch it later.  You can watch/bookmark the video on the TED website by clicking here or by clicking on the YouTube site link here (both sites have a “Watch Later” option).

Our perception affects stress’s impact

Continue reading →

Stressed Out?

Leave a reply

Stressed Out title image

Stressed Out?

I don’t typically think of myself as a person who gets stressed out easily, and I don’t often get too overwhelmed. I’m a fairly good multitasker–not necessarily good at doing several things at once but being able to prioritize several things. Since all of the COVID-19 mess and shelter-in-place orders though, everything seems equally urgent and important. Additionally, so many things lately are completely out of my control, which I DON’T like.

There were multiple things to do, all with a sense of urgency. I was wearing many hats and had lots of things on my plate. So many things were time consuming, and it never seemed like there was enough time to get it all done. I love a good to-do list because they tend to help me feel less stressed. Though one day I made a to-do list with about 8-10 items on it…I only finished 2 of them that day, which made me feel even worse.

On top of that, several people were making demands of me, and it felt like everybody wanted (insert demand) RIGHT NOW. I hate letting people down, and I always want to lend a helping hand where I’m able. However, I found myself getting irritated about not getting my stuff done because of people asking and expecting me to do things.

Thus, I would definitely have labeled myself as very stressed recently. I have found a few things that have proven extremely helpful during this season, so I thought I would pass them along in case others might be a little stressed too.

Helpful advice from others when I’m stressed

It’s always a good idea to have a good support system and to reach out and take heed to the counsel of trusted people in your life. Fortunately I surround myself with an excellent support system that can talk some sense into me when I don’t always think clearly. My husband, Eric, reminded me that sometimes it’s okay to let some things go. He pointed out where I might be putting unrealistic expectations on myself.

My boss at the college where I teach reiterated to me that we are in “good enough” mode, not “best practices” mode. I think she knows how we like to do our jobs with excellence, but she reassured us that the college would be understanding in times of crisis where we sometimes just need to do what it takes to get by.

I had some great counsel from a couple of friends who already homeschool their kids and work from home. They were able to guide me to be flexible with a routine, not rigid (not my structured-self tends to be) and to remember that each child is different and would work at different paces and have different needs.

I received counsel and a few other friends and family members reminded me that I need to set boundaries, say “no”, ask for help, and delegate what I can.

All of the advice and reminders really helped to lift a weight I felt. In addition to these things, I spent some extra time reading devotions about managing stress and spending some extra time in prayer and reading my Bible, where I was able to get even more wise counsel on being stressed. Specifically, I was able to pull out a few strategies from reading Philippians 4. Check them out…

Take Some Practical Steps When You Are Stressed Out:

Continue reading →

Jesus Will Carry Your Burdens

2 Replies

Jesus Will Carry Your Burdens.

Jesus Will Carry Your Burdens

**This post was one I wrote several years ago, on February 17, 2015 during a sad, heavy-hearted time. While I am not currently sad, or heavy-hearted, I know that many are, and many are carrying extra burdens, extra duties, and extra cares & stresses during this present time in our world. I’d like to revisit this post with reminders for times like these.**

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18 (NLT) 

My heart is so heavy, burdened and sad this past week.  I have had to remind and tell myself that “Jesus will carry your burdens.”  I am fine, and I have had no personal loss.  Unfortunately though some of my friends have, which makes me hurt for them.  For some reason I just feel like there’s so much sadness (like I said…my heart feels heavy).  If you know me at all, you know that I’m a person of great empathy.  I hurt when others hurt.

This past week a friend of mine unexpectedly lost her husband.  I can’t even begin to imagine the pain and suffering that she and her children must be enduring.  There’s also a feeling of helplessness because there is absolutely nothing that I can say or do to take away any of their pain.  I absolutely HATE death and the pain that it brings with it.

Sad times

On the same day that I learned about my friend’s husband, I saw that Continue reading →

Prayer for Time of Crisis

Leave a reply

Prayer for Time of Crisis title image

Prayer for Time of Crisis

This week I wanted to share a Prayer for Time of Crisis (with some foundation scriptures). This prayer is timely during the COVID-19 crisis that our world is currently facing.

A few helpful things to remember during a time of crisis:

  • Our first response during times of crisis should be to go to the Bible to see what God’s word has to say about it.
  • Crisis happens all the time. Whenever a crisis comes up, God has something for us to grab right in the middle of it.
  • If you give the devil enough rope, he’ll hang himself. Satan often overplays his hand, and the very attacks he makes are often the very things that seal his fate. He brings about his own undoing, and God will turn the tables on him bringing his people out even better on the other side of crisis.
  • The people of God come out in victory on the other side because of faith. If we keep our faith, we will get the victory. We have to fight to keep our faith. The devil will try to steal it from us because he knows that’s how we will get our victory.

“For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith.” 1 John 5:4 (NLT)

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV)

  • Just because we experience crisis doesn’t mean that we aren’t living right or following God. Jesus even told us trouble would come to us.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)

Take Some Practical Steps to Pray During This Time of Crisis:

Continue reading →