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Managing the everyday responsibilities of life can be so challenging. It seems as if everything is competing for our attention. Bae, school, work, home responsibilities, social media, I mean everything you can imagine.
Somehow, in the midst of balancing it all, we often forget to be sensitive concerning those around us. I know that I have.
There are days I get so caught up in trying to ensure that my ship is running smoothly. Yet while oiling my ship, there are those around me who are sinking and suffering in silence.
In recent times, I have had to learn and pray for sensitivity to those that appear to be strong. In a lot of instances, they are the ones that are hurting the most.
Have you ever stopped to take inventory of the number of people that surround you with a smile every day, but potentially internally, they are crying out for healing? Have you ever stopped to observe potential signs that may indicate that person is suffering in silence?
It can be a close friend, your boss, your parents, or your spouse.
You may be the one suffering in silence.
Today my heart is heavy for that person.
- The person that tries to put on a front day after day, month after month, and year after year.
- The person that wants to reach out but doesn’t know how or to whom.
- The person that is on the verge of giving up.
I don’t just want, but I need to give these words of encouragement.
Most of all, whomever that person is, I am here for you and praying for you.
I care because I was once that girl. The one that seemed to have her life together on the outside, but soaked the pillow at night. The one that had daddy issues, dysfunctional relationships, and twerked in the club for relief.
The one that often wondered, “God, where are you?”
I get it, but I also know that change can come. But before change, there are some things you can do to help you to get through this time.
Take Your Eyes Off Of Your Circumstances
Circumstances can be extremely tricky. It’s almost innate to look at your current circumstances and assume this is the way your life will always be. That is the biggest lie that our circumstances feed us.
The truth is the opposite. Many times are circumstances are why we are perfect candidates to be used by God. God often uses the underdog. The ones that have been rejected.
Moses murdered, David was a shepherd, Rahab was a harlot, Gideon came from a family that worshipped false gods. Are you beginning to see a pattern here?
Those saints that appeared to have the worst situations were the ones that God did a total miracle in their lives.
I used to think all the time, wouldn’t it be easier for God to use someone that already had the resources, the right family name, the intellect, the appearance, to fulfill His purpose.
But I’ve realized that everyone loves an underdog story, including God. Turning around the lives of those least expected guarantees that everyone will know that only God could have done this.
The underdog story gives us hope. It shows us that God is all-powerful. There is a reminder that God can do the same for us.
I am a witness that God will use the worst of circumstances to bring healing and impact into the lives of others. Even though it seems hard, what you are going through makes you the perfect candidate for God to heal you and take you to places you never thought possible.
However, it will require you to take your eyes off of the circumstances and learning to trust God.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness…
-2 Corinthians 12:9
Avoid Those That Grieve With You and Not For You
This might go against everything you have been taught, but hear me out. Yes, I know that a friend that cries with you seems like an ideal friend. Who does not want someone to feel their pain and empathize with them?
While this brings comfort to your situation, does it bring healing to your suffering?
You need friends that will not only cry with you but cry out to God for you.
After the pity party is all done, what you are searching for is repair on the matters of your heart. While your friend may not have the right words, they can pray for you when it’s hard for you to pray for yourself. I wrote this blog all about Godly Friendships.
There is power in agreement. There is power in the right community and friendships. God shows up in agreement, in His name. And when God shows up, healing shows up.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them
Matthew 18:20
Believe God Has No Limits
We always say that God is all-powerful. But do you really believe it?
Fact-You will never ever understand God. Actually, If I could completely understand and predict God’s movement and ways, I would have a hard time serving Him.
Who would want to serve someone that has the same intellect and understanding as them? That would mean that you both are on the same level.
I’m grateful to serve a God that sees ahead of me and knows everything that will happen before I do.
As you pray and ask God for healing, know that He will heal you, but it may not happen the way you think it will.
Have faith that God will heal you, even if it’s not the way you think He will. God has no limits.
God is able to remove your suffering and take you places you would have never imagined.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Ephesians 3:20
This week, I encourage you to take time with those that surround you.
Ask them how they are doing not just for form or fashion, but be invested.
Share these tips with them.
If you are the one suffering in silence, apply these tips to your life.
Pray, reach out to the right people, and allow God to move.
If you have experienced suffering in silence, share your testimony with someone.
I am sending lots of love and prayers for healing your way.
Until next time…
Be strong, Be Courageous, Serve God Wholeheartedly.
Gilberta Thompson
