Pursuing our dreams can be thrilling, but it’s not always smooth sailing. If you’ve ever worked hard to accomplish something and then achieved it, you know there's nothing quite like it. But life can throw unexpected curveballs our way, and sometimes that dream that seemed so close to our grasp is ripped away.
The reality of life's obstacles
Have you ever had a moment where unexpected loss, hurt, or pain knocked you off course? Do you feel like you can’t catch a break, confused about a situation you find yourself facing, or like there are forces working against you?
The Bible doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. It's full of stories of men and women who faced their own disruptions. In 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, the Apostle Paul writes, "We are pressed on every side by troubles...we are perplexed...we are hunted down..." Sound familiar?
Life is challenging, but the question is, will you keep moving forward? Remember, you’re not stuck unless you stop. Here are three things you need to know in order to keep failure or disruption from defining your journey:
1. Know you’re not alone
Feeling alone in your struggles? You’re not. The Bible is full of people who have been in your shoes, including the Apostle Paul. We looked at something he wrote earlier, but here’s the full verse:
"We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
God is right there with you, even in the toughest times. Even though you may feel crushed, victimized, or forgotten, God has never left your side.
2. Know that Jesus understands
Among the most notable stories of struggle in the Bible is Jesus. He was crushed, perplexed, and hunted down, ultimately giving his life for us on the cross. It was a humiliating, painful death, typically reserved for the worst of the worst.
His sacrifice makes it possible for us to walk through our struggles without being crushed. That’s because when we believe Jesus, the son of God, made this sacrifice on our behalf, we can invite Jesus into our lives to guide our way.
Once we receive Jesus’ lordship and leadership in our lives, we will never lose it. He is our companion throughout this life, and we will get to spend eternity in Heaven with him!
3. Know there’s a bigger plan in place
Paul gives us another gem in 2 Corinthians 4:16-17: " That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!"
Our struggles may be difficult to endure but they won’t last forever. This encouragement from Paul helps us see the bigger picture – God's plan for our lives. When we shift our focus away from our immediate circumstances, we realize there’s a much larger story God is writing.
Will You Keep Going?
So, what’s your next move? Will you keep going, or will you let the struggle define you? Life’s disruptions are inevitable, but they don’t have to determine your future. You’re only stuck when you stop moving forward.
-----
When obstacles come - and they will - here's how to keep going & not give up.
-----
LCBC stands for Lives Changed By Christ. We are one church in multiple locations across Pennsylvania. Find the location closest to you or join us for Church Online. We can’t wait to connect with you!