DECIDE EARLY

Proverbs 3:5 gives us the following instruction: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding." But how does one do that in the midst of challenging seasons? There are a few things that we need to determine early in the process in order to get through it. Here is what I have learned and continue to learn:  

Spiritual resilience: Make up your mind not to be arrested by what is in front you (situation, circumstance, feeling, mood, etc.). Confront it and don’t romanticize it or spiritualize it! If it sucks, hurts or you're confused by it…ADMIT IT! God already knows how you feel anyway. Don’t try to normalize or make sense of dysfunction, toxicity or abuse. And pray honestly and transparently! Or don’t...you can be silent before Him. God understands our silence better than our sentences!

Trust that God is in it with you:  It's hard to grasp that when you're in a storm. But all you need is mustard seed sized faith to trust…that’s it! And sometimes, that’s all you've got! We are reminded of God's promise in Psalm 23:4, "even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are WITH me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Remember that His name is Emmanuel which means God with us!

Find your tribe: Quiet the noise! Allow only those who can hold space for you and hear your heart without “churchy”, unrighteous judgment (like Job's friends). They must be able to keep you anchored in God’s truth while listening to your lament. Everybody doesn’t need to know everything so allow the Holy Spirit to lead you on when, where, and who to disclose vulnerable moments to.  And don’t be scared or ashamed to seek professional resources!

Seek Purpose: Out of every trial emerges purpose! Find your “why” and reclaim your God-given purpose and your unique sensitivities. Your specific life journey and experiences are not accidental; no one else can walk in your shoes. What you walked through and survived would destroy another because God knows how much each of us can bear. Every valley holds the distinct answers to help you identify purpose that only you are graced and equipped to face. So, decide early!

~Line Osias-Cayenne