What you should do when you cannot have your way with things
James 1:2-4:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
You have been dreaming of going to college, but the funds are not there. You have to give up on that dream. It is frustrating and anxiety-inducing. You see your friends going off to pursue their dreams while you feel stuck. You are worried about your future and what it holds without a college education. It feels like you are missing out on opportunities and falling behind.
Or perhaps there is a get-together you have been looking forward to attending for weeks. But then, important family matters come up, and you have to cancel. You feel disappointed and upset. You wanted to spend time with your friends, but now you have to deal with family issues instead. You worry about letting people down and missing out on fun experiences.
Every time you have to give up on something, the frustration and anxiety grow stronger. You feel like you are constantly hitting roadblocks and unable to have your way with things. It is overwhelming and disheartening. You start to doubt yourself and wonder if things will ever get better. You crave control over your life, but it seems like it is slipping further away with each disappointment.
When faced with setbacks like these, it is common to point fingers at others.
You may blame your parents for not having enough money for college or your friends for not understanding your priorities. You might even start to question why God would allow these obstacles in your path. It is easier to place blame on external factors than to confront the reality of the situation. You feel anger and resentment towards those you perceive as responsible for your struggles.
Feeling upset in such situations is entirely understandable; it is natural and you cannot help how you feel.
However, it is essential to recognize that pointing fingers and assigning blame will not alter the circumstances. While it might provide temporary relief, it ultimately does little to address the root of the problem.
If you truly want to regain a sense of control over your life, you will need to take a more constructive approach.
Consider what other options might be available to you. If college is not feasible right now due to financial constraints, are there other paths you could explore to achieve your goals? Perhaps you could look into vocational training programs, online courses, or apprenticeships.
Similarly, if you have had to cancel plans due to unforeseen circumstances, think about how you can make the best of the situation. Is there a way to reschedule the get-together or connect with your friends in a different way? Can you find a compromise that accommodates both your family responsibilities and your social life?
In the Bible, there is a story of Joseph, who faced numerous setbacks and challenges but ultimately persevered through faith and resilience. Joseph was favored by his father, which led to jealousy among his brothers. They plotted against him, selling him into slavery and deceiving their father into thinking he was dead. Despite this betrayal, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith.
As a slave in Egypt, Joseph encountered more trials, including false accusations that led to his imprisonment. Yet, even in the darkest moments, Joseph continued to trust in God's plan for his life. Through his ability to interpret dreams, Joseph eventually rose to a position of power in Pharaoh's court.
Through Joseph's story, we see how setbacks and adversity can be overcome through faith, patience, and perseverance. Like Joseph, when faced with challenges beyond our control, we can find strength in our faith and trust that God has a plan for us, even when it is difficult to see. Rather than succumbing to despair or blaming others, Joseph's example teaches us to remain steadfast in our beliefs and to seek alternative paths with a hopeful heart.
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