Maneuvering Intense Seasons

Natalie walked right in, trying hard not to hit the broom stowed away in the corner alongside a stack of paper towels nestled under the bottom shelf. With just enough inches left to stash herself in, she closed the door as quickly as possible, hoping no one saw her as she slipped into the dark room. There was quiet, and almost immediately, tears streamed down her eyes; she couldn't find the words to describe the weight she felt from all the demands. The pantry seemed to be the safest space to have a moment to process. And when she finally did, all she could muster was, "Jesus, this is too much."

Have you whispered that phrase, or similar, in prayer? Do you find yourself in the middle of life's challenges with no reprieve? Like the game wack-a-mole, the moment you feel like you have addressed a situation that seemed to take a lot out of you, there comes another challenge you have to manage with nothing left to give. Perhaps it is the demand of caring for an elderly parent or the news of a severe diagnosis. Maybe it's the challenges of ministry or a tenuous marriage relationship. Whatever it is, it's intense, and the demands don't seem to let up. My dear sister, sometimes, extreme seasons provide a clue to transition into something new God wants to do or birth in us. Here is a three-and-a-half-minute video explaining this thought and a free phone wallpaper to let you know that you are victorious despite what is happening.

I know this is a challenging season. You are not in this alone. Jesus asks us to give Him our heavy burdens in Matthew 11:28, and He also promises that we will not be crushed even though we are pushed on every side with troubles. So my dear sister, lean more into prayer when you feel you want to give up. Sing a little longer in praise when it feels too hard to bear, and trust that God will come through. God is with you and will never abandon you. There is a purpose to the intensity you may feel. Perhaps there is something new on the horizon for you.