Your situation is not hopeless although you may feel that way!

“But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14.

Yesterday we talked, you may think your situation is hopeless. However, it is not in most cases. When you feel discouraged, depressed, and desperate, look back and assess with a sincere heart.

If another person’s words or action creates hopelessness, you would need to talk to that person first lovingly and respectfully. I understand that love and respect are hard but depend on the Lord and His power and grace. If they do not want to own or help resolve it, there is nothing more you can do about it. If you have a regular church you attend, you can seek spiritually mature Christians’ help. However, human hard-heartedness is difficult to solve apart from the power and grace of the Lord. If nothing helps, you give the matter to the hands of the Lord in prayer. God can better deal with such situations. You see, you would not control others’ thought processes and actions, although you could help them see the faults. However, there is no guaranty they would own or accept the responsibility. From that point onwards, God goes to work. You relax.

If your words or actions cause hopelessness, you need to admit it and confess to the other person involved and the Lord. If you are sincere, you will get forgiveness from the other person. Bible promises God will also forgive you upon confession of your mistake because the shed blood of Christ on your behalf covers upon your sincere and genuine confession.
Now you have to unpack the load and burden and move on for the plan and purpose of the calling of the Lord in your life. You see, life here on this earth won’t be perfect. Imperfections are not uncommon. If you expect perfectness from others and you, you would eventually get frustrated and discouraged. Understand you would not be able to change others. Only God can do it. However, you can re-focus on God’s call for your life.

Bring the situation to the Lord in prayer. Listen to what He advises you in your heart as you pray and seek his face. Prayer is not just your words. Prayer time is listening to God, as well. Prayer works both ways. You talk to the Lord, and you listen to what He says. Ask what the Lord speaks to me now and listen intently. You may not hear audible words. God will put relaxing and peaceful thoughts and ideas in your heart. A balanced understanding of Scripture plays a significant role in this aspect. It is essential to have a general understanding of God’s general counsel revealed in the pages of the Bible. When you pray and listen, God usually reminds you of the Bible verses and gives confirmation and directions. Thank the Lord and follow what He counseled you. God will never advise something against the balanced truth of the word of God. I mean, one verse must not be the basis. The whole counsel of the Bible is vital regarding the concerned topics.

Certain times God would ask you to forgive and be gracious hundreds of times. It is not pleasant to us. However, if that is what He says and brings to your mind, and forgiveness brings back peace and restoration, go that route. No way I am telling you to need to suffer personal physical or mental abuse. In such situations of dangerous and harmful cases that affect your safety, you will need other’s or authorities’ help. Look for peace and restoration. If that happens, forgiveness is the route to go even in difficult situations that do not affect your safety on a going basis. I like what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13. He said, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.” What is ahead? According to Paul, it is winning the prize for which God grabbed hold of him. The purpose that God grabbed hold of him was the heavenward one in Christ Jesus. That is your goal, as well.

Out today’s insights say, your plan must be to forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead. The plan is to get God’s approval and win the prize for which He called you in Christ.

God, who sees your situation, will bring solutions as you continually seek His face in prayer. It will bring solutions to your problems and glory to Him. In the process, you will need a big dose of patience and perseverance. God said he would equip you with patience and perseverance as you seek Him. One day, you will understand and testify that God has done everything well in His perfect time in the future.

Remember, your situation is not hopeless because you have the God of good hope, comfort, and encouragement with you. He understands and cares for you. He will bring you out of it. That is all you need. You can face all challenges and difficulties life throws at you.

Got a moment for prayer? “Father in heaven, thank you for helping me to know my situation is not hopeless. You are the God of good hope, comfort, and encouragement. Please help me to obey the percepts I learned today. I believe Jesus died for my sins and shortcomings. I repent of my sins and mistakes and turn to Jesus and accept Him as my savior and Lord. Please help me today and bless me with your presence and counsel. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.”