My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:2-4
“Tough times never last, but tough people do.” Are you familiar with that phrase? Do you believe it? Well, when we feel like our distress will never end, or it feels like there is no light at the end of the tunnel, all we need is a quote like that to keep us inspired to help us get through.
Tough times have a way of teaching us many priceless lessons that we would have not learnt if everything in our lives were easy. They also teach us the secret of persevering under pressure. The Apostle Paul had come to a point in his life where he learnt the secret of turning problems into pearls, obstacles into opportunities, and troubles into triumphs. Tough times give us the opportunity also to choose what lessons we wish to learn when we experience them as well.
We can choose to let them make us better or bitter, or to let them make us tough or tender. It is up to us. It is all about perspective – how we view them and how we handle them. During tough times, we need to remind ourselves that nothing really is permanent in this world. Nothing lasts forever! As we journey through life, we must always bear in mind, too, that life will always have its bumps along the way. There will be good times and bad times, easy times and tough times. Life is not always smooth sailing.
Another thing for us to learn is that, even in the most discouraging situations in life, we can maintain high levels of achievement, satisfaction and happiness. That the answer to our problems lies in what we do – and the secret lies in a timeless set of specific and practical goal-achieving and problem-solving principles. Once we master those we will have the power to overcome any challenge, and triumph in any crisis no matter how seemingly insurmountable it may be.
Our attitude will make the difference! What we need to get rid of is our negative attitude and do our best to stay positive albeit life’s difficulties. We need to have the attitude where we tell ourselves that we can, and the mentality that never fails to remind us that, this too shall pass. In order to do this, however, we need to pay attention to our thoughts – the things we say to ourselves and to others.
You see, our thoughts are powerful! They cause feelings, and the wrong kinds of thoughts can cause stressful feelings. We need to be aware that there are different ways of looking at things. We can look at the same event in different ways – either optimistically or pessimistically. We can look at the same glass either half full or half empty. It pays if we learn to look at the good things in life rather than the bad. Look at what is working rather than what is not. Give God thanks for what we have and ask Him for wisdom to make wise choices and decisions in order to move forward.
We need to hold to the belief that whatever hardships we are experiencing at the moment will not last, and they are not meant to punish us. Instead, they are here to test our character and our resolve and to make us stronger. It is wise for us to remember that we have little control over problems, but we have control over how we react and manage the problems that come our way. Therefore, let us choose to be optimistic rather than be pessimistic. Let us stop the blame game and forge ahead – allowing ourselves to fail, now and then, but learning from our mistakes.
Everywhere, everyone has his or her own share of problems. You are not alone! Some of us are either going through, have come through, or are about to go through tough times – but we will come to realize that there are no easy solutions to problems. Life is filled with them so we need to spend time finding solutions and translate them into action.
The past does not equal the future. The future can be even better than the past, unless you make it worse. You have the option to focus on what is over and unchangeable, and miss making it better here and now. Leave what’s past where it belongs and create hope for the future. The future is a blank canvas you are free everyday to paint it as you wish. You can choose to paint a bleak picture or glorious one. The choice is yours to make!
Here is a poem written by Mark Strohm, Sr. that may inspire you:
Tough Times
In these times in which we’re living,
It is so hard to make ends meet.
But God is always with us,
as His Scriptures do repeat.
He tells us not to worry,
what to eat or drink or wear.
He will take care of us completely
as he does the birds of air.
But seek ye first His Kingdom
and all His righteousness.
Then put your faith in Jesus,
your whole life He’ll truly bless.
Don’t worry about tomorrow,
live to please Him day by day.
He will guide your every footstep,
as He leads you in your way.
He knows your every heartache,
every problem, every need.
It’s all so very simple,
give Him your life and you’ll succeed!
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email:marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
