“It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” ― Epictetus
This is a challenging quest. So, when trouble comes, we may doubt ourselves, doubt God or even think of the worst that could happen. We cannot see any way out of the trouble. In these difficult situations, one must pause, stay calm, think, and decide on a positive reaction and outcome.
What do I mean by pause? Pause means to stop, to catch your breath, and to reflect. This is a time to reflect. What happened, why are you in this situation, and what can and cannot be done? It is a time to assess your current situation. Focus on the things you can control. We often want to spend hours on that which we have no control over, instead of focusing on what we can do. The more we focus on the things we have control over, the sooner our influence and control over this circumstance will increase.
Once we have assessed our situation, it is time to think about what can be done. What are possible solutions? What do I want? Over time I have learned that for every problem, there is always more than one solution. We must take the time, pause, and think about the possible solutions. There may be multiple possibilities to a solution, but one will only know that when you keep thinking, keep searching for the right solution. Even once you have a solution, keep thinking of a better solution than the one you have already come up with. The problem is this: we are often simply too lazy to think. Thinking is hard work. The Bible even encourages us to ask God for help when we need help with our thinking. Just keep going and never give up.
To pause and think without decisive action is faith without works. It is dead. Deciding on what action to take and then to act is what is needed.
Here are some powerful quotes to ponder.
“In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” – Sun Tzu
“Adversity has the effect of drawing out strength and qualities of a man that would have lain dormant in its absence” — Herodotus
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” – Rev. Robert Schuller
“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” ― Dean Karnazes
“Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.” — Nelson Mandela
Psalm 75:3 (NLT) When the earth quakes and its people live in turmoil, I am the one who keeps its foundations firm.
1 Samuel 2:8 (NLT) He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the LORD’s, and he has set the world in order.
It does not matter whether you are on the garbage dump today; God moves you from the dump to sit among princes. I want to encourage you to keep going; God wants to take you from the prison to the palace. If God can do it for Joseph, He can do it for you. Just remember this: while Joseph was in prison, he did not act like a prisoner having a pity party; he acted like he was still in the palace, and created opportunities in chaos. Today, spot the blessing in your difficult times.