Shift Your Focus from your Struggle to The Solution
We are sure to experience difficult times and face many challenges. We may be dealing with a challenge today, just coming out of a hard season, or about to encounter one. But as a Daughter of the King, how we walk through hard seasons should look different than how those who are not following Him go through it.
Jesus says, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Oh, we want to tell our story and have people gather around us in support. The problem with that is that most will help us look down at our challenge and dig a pit of despair. That is not what we want. We should only allow those close who will point us to our only HOPE – Jesus. (I need to interject here and say, some talk the Jesus talk. Be careful, Satan is cunning and twists the truth just a little bit. Pray for wisdom and discernment when letting someone speak into your situation.)
Today, I want to share with you…
7 Steps to Shift Your Focus from your Struggle and to The Solution
1. Shift your focus from worry to wisdom. What is wisdom? Wisdom is the ability to apply God's truth and principles to life, leading to a godly and fulfilling existence, often characterized by discernment, insight, and righteous actions. Shifting from worry to wisdom means standing firm on God’s truth.
I love His truth. It is easy to be just a little off the mark when it comes to knowing the truth. If it is not TRUTH, it is a lie. The standard of truth is knowing what God’s word says and not taking it out of context. If you don’t have a truth journal and would like to know more about journaling truth, I would love to send you a signed one and get you started. During hard seasons you will want to read His truth over and over again. (Truth Journal)
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32
2. Shift from complaining to Christ-centered problem solving. We are like the Israelites – God has moved in our life, shown up and done amazing things. Then we forget and start complaining about our circumstances. Stop it! He has been faithful and will continue to be.
Instead of complaining, ask, “God what is this about? Whose life will be impacted? What will You do through this? What are You wanting to teach me? How will You work through me?” You see, challenges give us the opportunity to be used by God. Therefore, He is our solution.
Ask "How can I be a light in this situation?" A solution-oriented mindset acknowledges problems but looks for God’s wisdom to act with faith and excellence. We cannot be looking down, having a pity party, and leading people up the mountain to Jesus at the same time.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.” Philippians 2:14-15
3. Shift your focus off what you can control and focus on surrendering. We are not in control of anything; He is in control of everything. Invite God into every area of your life and surrender it to Him. The only thing we can control is our attitude, our actions, and our prayers.
Let your challenge roll off the ends of your fingers and let Him give you His peace, His presence, and His comfort. He is faithful; challenges give up an opportunity to prove that we are.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Replace fear with faith-filled action. Instead of sitting paralyzed in fear, ask "what step of faith are you asking me to take today, God?" Challenging times allow us to grow in faith, to strengthen our faith, and to prove where we have placed our faith.
Instead of being idle in fear, take a step forward. Do what He is asking you to do. The Bible tells us that if we love God, we will walk in obedience to His word. When we stumble, we are to confess, repent, and ask forgiveness. When we do, we get to experience His grace. His grace is sufficient to help us take the next right step.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
5. Speak life over the problem. The Bible tells us that the tongue can speak life or it can speak death. Be careful. Stop the negative self-talk and the doubt. These hinder you from seeking the Solution – Jesus. Instead say, “With Jesus, I have the strength and the wisdom to navigate this.” When we declare truth instead of magnifying our problems, then we remember that God is much bigger and is leading us forward.
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. (Proverbs 18:21)
6. Use trials as training grounds for leadership. Trials grow us and strengthen us. Here is where we learn who God is and that He is faithful. Don’t see your challenge as set-back; see it as a set-up. He is setting you up to display His goodness, His faithfulness, and His power.
Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:2-4
7. Seek wise counsel and community. Do not isolate. This is a common problem among women. We isolate and hide our problems or we allow people in who are not spiritually sound. So, be careful. Pray for wisdom and discernment. When you do, God will grant it to you. Satan wants to isolate you. God wants you to have a community of like-minded friends. (Iron sharpens iron.) Seek wise counsel.
Instead of isolating, find your people. This is my best advice for you…
Personally, I have found it incredibly helpful to have a Christian coach. I don’t let people lead me who are not following hard after Jesus. My coach calls me out when I say something that does not line up with Truth. It is a beautiful thing. We all need help to see our blind spots and to stay focused on Him in challenging times.
I also believe we should all have a spiritual mentor. This is someone who has a deeper relationship with Jesus than we do and can lead us deeper in Him. This might be a woman at church or a Bible study leader. Pray and ask God to help you find a mentor.
And lastly, we need friends who see past our challenges and point us to Jesus no matter what. The best way to find those friends, is to start being that friend. Grow up spiritually and you will attract those who are growing spiritually.
I pray that this post is helpful to you. It is long and if you read through the 7 steps, then my guess is you have challenges you are trying to navigate. I would love to come alongside you. I would love the opportunity to pray over you. Complete this form and I will reach out to you. (FORM- CLICK HERE)
In the meantime, I am praying for you and the challenges you face today. Please do the same for me. Together, we can be an encouragement to one another and bring honor and glory to our Savior!
I love you-
Pam
A Note from Pam:
Hi friend! I am so glad you are here. It is my desire to encourage you to follow Jesus and become intentional about leading.
I am a faith-based Leadership and Personal Growth Coach. Let’s chat. I would love to talk about your next steps and our first call is free. No pressure, just conversation to see how I can be of help to you. Why? Because we are told to seek wise counsel. Fill out this form and I will be in touch. Visit my website to learn more.
Be sure to visit my store for my book, Saved by Grace, Now What? and the Truth Journal. I will be sure to sign them for you.
Thank you for being here!