Unless we live in a cave or under a rock, at some point we’re all faced with those inevitable highs and lows called “life.”
When those roads intersect, it can often be a time of indecision and a source of stress.
On one hand, we’re thrilled that our circumstances are about to change for the better. On the other hand, we may wonder what will happen next to throw us off kilter.
That on-the-fence mindset steals our joy, saps our courage, and limits our possibilities. Unfortunately, we become paralyzed by what could happen.
Talk about seeing the glass half-empty!
The reality is bad things can and do happen. How we handle those “seasoning” periods is entirely up to us, however. God grants us free will.
Since I’m a see-the-glass-half-full kind of gal, I don’t allow myself to linger at this haphazard intersection for very long. It’s dangerous. It’s counter-productive to God’s will for my life.
It’s not God’s will for anyone’s life. Stagnation, fear, and hopelessness just aren’t in our Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.
The good news is there are some things we can do when our roads of hope and despair intersect:
- Prioritize. First and foremost, make Jesus the Lord of our lives.
- Be encouraged. Read our Bibles and other messages of hope.
- Watch uplifting movies. The Help, Facing the Giants, and Soul Surfer, to name just a few.
- Confide in our support system, whether that be our spouse, family, friends, pastor, etc.
- Limit negative influences. Join forces with fellow Pollyannas (positive thinking people).
- Expect great things! When we gear our minds toward the possible, the first stumbling block is removed.
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Can you share a time in your life where hope and despair met?
What encouraging words might you offer today?
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Photo Credit: Stuart Miles/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Blessings Always,
Comments 11
Lovely post, Cynthia! Thanks so much for linking to my blog hop!
Author
Katie, my pleasure! I think your blog (and that post, in particular) is such a great source of encouragement to those who are hurting. It truly shows how God can bring hope from despair or Wildflowers from Winter!
Wonderful words today, my friend! 🙂 I think the whole writing journey is hope meeting despair. Love ya! Hope your day is wonderful!
Author
Jess, the writing journey is indeed not for the fainthearted. And love you, too!
Beautiful post, Cynthia!
God has given me the nudge to write for this type of audience. It’s because I know that intersection pretty well…I think I lived on the corner for many years in my younger days.
Author
Loree, you have such a beautiful spirit and such tremendous inner strength–it’s so apparent in how you relate to people. God’s granted you awesome gifts!
Very much needed. I’ve been trying to get through an intersection – sometimes seems like I’m having to fight my way through. Finally feel like I’m nearing the other side.
Author
Tonya, so many times we don’t understand the purpose of our intersections while in the midst of them, and those are the times we hang tough in our faith. God’s way is so much higher than our own. Rejoicing with you as you navigate through your intersection!
So tickled to have you visit!
Such great words, Cynthia! And I love the movie Soul Surfer. Yep, I bawled pretty much through the whole thing. 🙂
Author
Sarah, Soul Surfer is a favorite of ours, too. Bethany Hamilton’s story is a perfect reminder of how God uses desperate situations and turns them around for good!
It’s hard to single out just one of those intersections, but God is faithful! He will not leave us in despair, He will come to us, and help us. He always shows up!