There are times when it feels overwhelming, even crushing. I know. I've been there. I wish I could give you a fool-proof solution for such times. Heck, I wish I could give myself a fool-proof solution for such times. However, I can point to a promise of a "way of escape." If I have your attention, please read on.
I have a close Christian friend who is under enormous stress right now. You could say he is experiencing a "perfect storm" of woes. Without going into details, I can say that he is a parent of a special needs child, in his case a child with very special needs. His wife just suffered an injury, which makes childcare difficult. Together, they are in the "sandwich" generation, caring for kids and at the same time caring for aging parents, one of which is about to have emergency heart surgery in a city distant from where Phil (not his name) lives. Ouch! Feel free to pray for Phil. I'm sure God will know who you are referring to.
Then there are those of us who suffer on two fronts--mental and physical. It is more than enough to have to deal with our mental health issues. But then, along comes a physical health crisis. It is like being between a rock (mental illness) and a hard place (physical ailments). At such times it can seem overwhelming. I know. I am there right now. (Add me to your prayer list along with Phil.)
So, what is this "way of escape?" I see this in 1st Corinthians 10 verse 13. In this verse, replace "temptation" with "trial" and "tempted" with "tried." I'm pretty sure God is okay with this. The verse reads, "No trial has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tried beyond what you are able, but with the trial will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it."
This verse is a great comfort to me. I may not be able to see it (yet) in my current situation, but at the right time I believe God will show me my "way of escape" to help me endure what I am going through. I believe God will do the same for you. Meditate on this. Be comforted by this. Trust God through your trial. Remember how He is described in the midst of this verse. It says, "God is faithful." And He is.
Blessings,
The Christian Bipole
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