“Sometimes changing the world means changing your world, as gradually as you need to, as gently as you heal, because sometimes courage isn’t made up of war, and bloodshed; sometimes courage isn’t made of combat. Sometimes courage is a quiet fight, a dim softness within you, that flickers even on your darkest days, and reminds you that you are strong, that you are growing– that there is hope.”
Bianca Sparacino
Disclaimer, I stole this title from my pastor’s sermon yesterday because I think it can be tied into so many parts of our lives. He was explaining the little ways God is always trying to “invade” our lives and how/if we respond to God’s invasions. We are always so quick to respond to external threats, the things that happen outside us and in our environment, but how quickly do we respond to the wars that take place within us. It is these wars that lay the foundation for how we respond to everything else.
I am a firm believer that allowing ourselves to openly struggle leads to greater success than if we were to throw in the towel when things get tough, no matter the outcome. Struggles are God’s way of invading our lives. He is telling us, “Hold up! Something is not right here. We need to evaluate what you have been doing.” I have seen this brighter than day with my running. Injuries are a part of the sport and I have definitely had my fair share of them. Every time it happens I can here God saying, “This isn’t the end but we need to change something. Have you been over-training? Not recovering properly? Under eating?” Every injury comes with the internal battle of quitting verse working through the struggle to come out stronger. God was telling me to trust in him and what he was saying and he would carry me through the struggle, showing me that his love conquers all….I had an amazing cross country season this past year and none of it would have been possible if I had not listened to God during my period of struggle.
It is so easy to turn to external “answers” during times of struggle. People find themselves stealing when they run out of money to pay for their addiction; instead of realizing that God is trying to invade their lives and help them through. Running out of money is the sign that something needs to change! People drink away the pain they feel instead of trying to pinpoint why exactly they feel the way they do. We have rough days at work only to come home and take it out on our loved ones. We continually allow ourselves to take the easier paths. Paths that we can use as excuses for why we do the things we do; when in all reality we just refuse to work on ourselves. It is scary to admit to yourself that something is wrong with you; that you need to change but it is one of the most important parts of finding yourself and reaching your potential.
The next time you find yourself struggling with something whether it be losing someone you love, not performing to your best ability, being tight on money, or even just a rough day at work; I challenge you to not jump to your usual way of “solving” the problem. Instead, sit and listen for awhile, because God will be there trying to tell you something. Have the courage to truly work through the hard times and win the war….because the invasion never stops.
Mindfully Marissa 