Strong and Secureنموونە

Faithful When We Struggle

“If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.” 2 Timothy 2:13 NLT

Michelle

In my forties, I was diagnosed with ADHD, but when I became a counselor in my twenties, I knew I struggled with many of the symptoms. I love doing a variety of activities, including learning new things, because they create the neurochemical dopamine in my brain. I have always been able to hyperfocus when I loved what I was doing or when I had procrastinated and was now under a deadline. The adrenaline my body produced when I needed to finish a short assignment or study for a test worked well for me because God gave me a fast brain and an above-average memory. But as the work got harder and longer, like writing papers, I struggled to meet the deadlines or turn in the quality of work that I knew I could do and was expected of me. I needed more structure to be successful.

Today, deadlines for books like the one you’re reading have resurrected my large-project struggles. I often feel like I’m not being faithful to my calling or a good steward of the talents God has given me. In moments like these, I’ve learned to cry out to my Father and ask others for help, encouragement, and even accountability. God is faithful to help us when we struggle. Our Father wants us to experience success. He doesn’t lecture us or shame us for our weaknesses. Father God understands our shortcomings because He is our creator.

Experiencing Father God’s Healing

If you’ve fallen behind in your schoolwork or on life tasks like paying bills or cleaning your room, first talk to Father God and tell Him your struggles. Pour it all out in a journal or in prayer like you would if you were talking to a friend or parent. Trust in His faithfulness to help you. His help can encourage you to be brave enough to acknowledge your weaknesses and seek help from others, such as a counselor, tutor, or life coach.

If you, like me, have a diagnosis such as ADHD or anxiety, you might need to access your campus disability services so that you can receive extended time on your assignments. When I’ve had the courage to talk with my teachers, professors, and now editors and ask for help, they have not only worked with me on catching up but encouraged me to continue persevering.

Growing Stronger

Come up with a plan of action to help you when you fall behind or struggle. Seek out resources that God can use to come alongside you when you fall behind.