BY JESSICA LANDMON
I know there are many of you out there that are at the end of your rope. You feel like this season of despair is far beyond your ability to endure. Your peace is robbed, and you feel completely helpless and consumed by this trial or circumstance. You are not alone. The Apostle Paul also felt this type of deep anguish.
We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. – 2 Corinthians 1:4, NIV
I don’t know about you, but reading Paul’s words gives me great comfort. I am not rejoicing that Paul felt this way, I am just comforted knowing that I am not alone. There have definitely been seasons in my life where I felt unable to stand and endure. And, I am sure that Paul and I aren’t the only ones who have felt this way.
We all go through periods like this – a heartbreaking diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, marital strain, miscarriage, betrayal, unemployment or financial burden. Like Paul, we may feel like there is no relief in sight. It may seem that all hope is gone. We may even feel that we are on the verge of death. But, I am here to encourage you to hold on.
If we cry out to the Lord in the midst of our weakness, He will strengthen us to continue. Paul is correct. Certain circumstances do surpass our ability to endure. In these moments, we must lean on Jesus so that His strength becomes ours. This is when God’s power is demonstrated most.
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. – 2 Corinthians 12:9, NLT
We also need to recognize that this type of despair is not in vain. It forces us to learn how to become completely dependent on the Lord. In these moments of absolute weakness, we MUST turn to Him. With a heart of desperation, we raise our hands up to Jesus in an act of true surrender, and ask for His strength to endure.
Ladies, it may seem like there is no end to the pain you are feeling. In fact, you may feel that you have no strength left inside you. But, I encourage you to invite Jesus into your situation. I promise you that there is always hope with Him on your side.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandonded; struck down, but not destroyed. – 2 Corinthians 4:8, NIV