As I’ve traveled across the internet this week, reading news, blog posts and Facebook updates, I’m more aware than ever how much heartbreak and struggle are in our world. Sometimes if feels like more than I can bear – more than any of us can bear. What do you do when life hands you a bitter pill or two or three or many? Is there a better way to face these changes, these heartbreaks, these struggles, these trials?
Lest you think I’m delusional or living some dream life, let me assure you I’ve had my share of bitter pills. I’ve felt the weight of too many issues piled until they began to drown me. The despair of feeling like I’d never be able to move forward, never solve the issues, never get to a better place. The struggle of feeling alone, that I was the only one who could solve my problems and I was failing.
Then, I discovered the freedom of handing it over to God. Sharing my burdens with Him, letting Him carry the weight, trusting Him for solutions and for peace when there are no solutions. See, I found a better way, a better change. It completely changed my life, brought me out of despair and into hope.
It’s a daily challenge to let go and live into this kind of faith, but I’ve found it makes all the difference – and I want to share it with everyone!
My life’s certainly not issue-free right now. I could rattle off a handful of items that should be weighing heavily on my heart, could be dragging me under, but they’re not. Sure, I’ve shed my fair share of tears, yelled my frustrations at God, grieved for losses and been anxious about unknowns. Then, I’ve moved forward in prayer and trust, not allowing my circumstances be the defining characteristics of my life.
The key to a better change, I’ve found, is to allow yourself grace and space for grief, but then to hand it over in trust to God and allow Him to move you forward.
Yes, this world is full of heartbreak – illness, death, war, violence, divorce, unemployment, and so much more. How can we face it? How can we keep swimming and not allow it take us under, drowning us under the weight of it all?
Will you join me starting September 2nd for a 12 week series on A Better Change? I want to share from my experiences with change and also share what I’ve learned studying the life of Peter.
Peter who walked closest to the living Jesus. Peter who was just as human and fallible as any of us us. Peter who reacted to change as we often do by drowning in despair or running away, but who eventually learned to trust and pray as his default. Peter who allowed himself to be transformed from simple fisherman to bold evangelist and church leader.
If you know anyone else who could benefit from this series, please share this and let’s learn together how to face change better!
NOTE: Sometimes we need more than just faith and a better attitude to get through the challenges of life. Sometimes we also need the help of wise counselors or even medication. Don’t be afraid to ask for that help!
Sharing with: Motivation Monday, Testimony Tuesday, Titus 2 Tuesday, Coffee For Your Heart
llicenogle says
With lots of changing coming up, I’m so glad you’re doing this…I’ve told you before, but I am so blessed by you! You give me hope!!
Kathryn says
Thanks for the encouragement (as always)! I’ve been hesitant to dive into this material but just feeling like the time is right. Hope it speaks!
Jen Daugherty says
There is SO much freedom in turning it over to God. We can dog ourselves down with worries and fears, but there’s no sense in it. But if we’re willing to turn it over to God, He can do amazing things.
Stopping over from Testimony Tuesday.
Kathryn says
I never understood it until I experienced it, but there is SUCH freedom in allowing God into our conversations and letting Him carry the burden for us. Thanks for stopping by!
Holly Barrett says
Love this, Kathryn! It’s so hard to let go of all the stuff in life sometimes. But I believe God works better in when we let it go…or maybe we just see His working better when we relax our grip. Lots to think about here. Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday.
Kathryn says
Thanks, Holly! Hard to give God a chance to work in us when we’re holding on so tight or trying to do it all ourselves. Easier said than done sometimes, though!
Madelain says
I agree in having God handle our issues, and how hard it is sometimes to stop holding onto the worry and release in faith. I was reading in John 15, about how God is the vine and we are the branches, where it states that we have to remain in him to bear fruit. How often do we try to do it ourselves? Overcome it ourselves? Handle it ourselves? When it is easier just to hand it all over to him.
Blessings on your week and I’m excited for this 12-week series (:
I could use some Change xos
Kathryn says
I’m excited to see where the series take us! It’s very counter-culture to rely on God, instead of always feeling like you have ‘pull yourself up by your bootstraps’ and make it happen yourself. But, what a difference it can make to live life as part of God’s vine and learn to truly hand over the worry! Looking forward to hearing your voice in this conversation!
Candace says
Thank you for this much needed encouragement today. I have been in a rough space lately but am coming out of it. My faith is what saves me every time. I spent many years not believing in God and over the last few years have really changed my thinking. As my faith grows, it’s amazing how these rough periods get shorter and easier to deal with. Your series sounds wonderful!
Kathryn says
Glad you were encouraged! I’ve been on a similar journey of faith – and I continue to be amazed just how much better I experience life when I walk with God, even when life circumstances are difficult. I’m excited to continue exploring this and see how the discussion can lead us to more hope, less worry!
Linda@Creekside says
This is so good, Kathryn. Yes, we need to go there, to fully understand and experience what we’re going through, how we feel about it. But then there comes this time where we get to choose what we want to do with all that’s flying at us, what tends to drag us under if we stay in that place of contemplation way too long. I so appreciate that you’ve put this on the table today. For this is a most difficult path …
Kathryn says
Thanks, Linda! This can be a difficult path. We do ourselves (and our faith) a disservice when we make it sound too easy – like we can magically make all our cares and troubles go away. Life is hard and there will be times for grief and tears, but faith is what can pull us through so we experience that full spectrum of life and find hope through the grief.
sarahgirl3 says
Yes! This is definitely what we all need! What I need! Thank you for your encouragement. 🙂
passagethroughgrace says
You said it well when you stated we should allow ourself grace and space for grief and then turn it over to God. That truly sums up for me what God calls us to do when change is hard. I always tell my sons, who are now grown, you can wallow in your troubles but after a day, pick yourself up and move on. Pray for God’s strength in it all but let Him lead you out of the messiness. Thank you for this and I first found you when you visited me last week when I wrote about change. Sunday blessings! Mary
Kathryn says
Thanks, Mary! So often I think we get stuck on grief and worry – I know I’ve spent too much time focused there in the past. It’s important to allow yourself to have those feelings – they’re an important part of the change process too – but then open yourself to moving forward.