How To Thrive In Life's Toughest Seasons By Pastor Debra MortonSample

Emotions during devastation and challenges can be hard to control, and we cannot deny them because they are very much a part of being human. There are moments when life allows us to “stay there” a minute, to lock ourselves up in a room alone to weep or scream or curl up in a blanket and stare out the window all day. Been there, done that. On the other hand, there are times we must push past our emotions to keep our sanity and grab hold of our new normal. I’m reminded of a story about King David, who taught this lesson during a huge storm in his life. . . .

Often, when devastation hits, we look for external things to soothe or fulfill us, but we must pull strength from within. King David wept when he saw that what he valued was gone, but he inquired of God through prayer as to what he should do. Scripture says that afterward he encouraged himself. We must learn to pull ourselves out of dark situations by looking to God in order to discover the strength that’s beneath the surface—under that hurt, sadness, confusion, and emptiness—and pull out healing for our souls. . . .

If you are a leader in a challenging situation, it can be overwhelming, especially when you are hurting as well. However, “whom God calls, He qualifies.” Throughout my ministry years, I have be able to observe many people, from a distance and up close. God gives His leaders additional stamina, insight, confidence, and supernatural faith to move through these situations. When Moses was asked to approach the evil Egyptian king and command him to let the Israelites go, he said to God, “I’m nobody special to represent You. I can’t speak on the people’s behalf; I’m not articulate, and I have no real power to overtake him.” Most people who are called to lead never feel adequate or qualified. However, when they answer the call, they do things so amazing that they are amazed themselves.