Pushing on Towards the Distant Blur

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33

As we journey through our lives, twisting and turning around each curve, we are bound to face challenges and seemingly insurmountable problems. At times, each step will feel like an arduous and painful trial toward an end we can no longer even imagine. It can be hard to hold onto hope when we’re drowning in the fires of the turbulent spiritual sea. Jesus himself told us in the gospel of John that we would face troubles in this world, but He also told us to take heart so that we might have peace.

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.- Philippians 1:23-24

Sometimes, our problems are light and easy to solve, but sometimes they seem impossible. It’s certainly easier to have faith and hope when we can see the end. It’s much easier to push ourselves through the pain and sprint down the last stretch when the finish line is in sight, but when we can’t see the finish line and are unsure of the end, it’s easy to falter and want to give up. Some problems in our lives simply don’t have a good solution. Jesus tells us to take heart, and Paul tells us to set our minds on things above to remind us that the pain of this life is temporary and that Heaven awaits us. Yet, when we’re mired in the deep throes of our troubles, sometimes the image of Heaven is blurry and seemingly too distant. We might long for Heaven as Paul did, but we worry about the time until then. Though a thousand years is nothing more than a day to God, a day can feel like an eternity for us poor, suffering mortals.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.- Colossians 3:2

Faith can be hard to come by when walking through the darkness and fighting to overcome insurmountable odds, but these are the times we need faith the most. Faith is hope, for there is no hope without faith. When we believe and trust in the Lord, we set our hearts firmly on the foundation of hope. It won’t always be easy to see, but a faithful heart trusts the Lord to direct it through the darkness, not necessarily to shine a light on our path. Paul was a man who faced nearly endless trials after Jesus called him, and we can see in Philippians that even he longed to be free of the troubles he faced. Heaven, the beautiful place where there is no suffering or heartache, but only joy and peace, is a beautiful hope that we strive towards, but how hard it can be to wait for it when the world is shoveling more on us.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

When we’re faced with trials and tribulations and struggling to climb the unclimbable mountains of life, sometimes the only thing we can do is keep a good attitude and stay positive. A positive attitude won’t solve all our problems, but it will make dealing with them easier. A joyful and grateful mindset frees our thoughts to be able to bear the labor of our struggles. That positive mindset will help us hold our heads up so that when a solution does finally arrive, we’ll be able to see it. It’s easier said than done to stay joyful and hopeful surrounded by darkness, but a complete surrendering faith in those moments keeps us going. We can’t see the finish line, but we do have the Holy Spirit coaching us, urging us on, and reminding us that the finish line is just ahead. When He says give it your all, then give it your all. Sprint through the pain because your coach loves you, and you can trust Him no matter what.

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live- Ecclesiastes 3:12

No matter what trials you are facing, hold your head up. Do your best to keep a positive attitude, even when the promise of Heaven is too slippery to hold onto. Trials and tribulations come and go, but so, too, are there times of refreshing. There are good things in this life, too. There are beautiful things to be touched, tasted, smelled, and held in this life. Enjoy them when you can. Be grateful for every little thing, and keep pushing ahead. Listen to the coach and never give up. Keep a positive attitude because that finish line is just ahead. You’ll get there. I know you will.