You CAN Make It Through Dark Timesنموونە

Introduction:

On Day 1, we learned to adjust our perspective about dark times and to use the "resistance" to grow. On Day 2, we learned how to use the Light within us as a resource to illuminate our path and expose stumbling blocks. On our third and final day, we'll discuss how to conquer three common stumbling blocks we experience along the way: adversity, anxiety, and toxic thoughts. If we're honest with ourselves, it's natural to feel challenged in these areas when we're surrounded by darkness.

As I reflected on my journey through dark times, I remembered a challenging hike that I completed when I was doing the Mission Trails Regional Park 5-peak challenge in Santee and La Mesa, California. It was not the most physically demanding thing I've done (U.S. Marine Corps training will push you to your limits), but there were a few extremely challenging portions.

Devotion:

My Journey.

There is one particular steep portion of the North Fortuna Mountain that is fairly challenging—especially after inclement weather. When I first approached this portion of the trail, I heard a loud, Drill Instructor-esque voice in my head yell, “Attack the hill!” So I looked down and began charging up the steep incline that led to the summit–pumping my arms and power breathing as I went. I kept my head down in hopes that this would somehow help me magically arrive at the plateau quicker. Unfortunately, this was not reality. The further I hiked, the steeper the incline became. After about two minutes, my legs were burning, I was panting, and I was drenched in sweat.

I finally glanced up… I was definitely not as close as I thought I’d be. In fact, I hadn’t made much progress at all! I eliminated turning around as an option, so I had to figure out how to motivate myself to complete the hike. I concluded that I should track my progress, and just keep pushing.

I initially thought I hadn't made any progress until I noticed some people who were close to where I started. “Those people look small,” I thought. “I am further along than I thought!” That’s all I needed to continue pushing. So, I started to hike again–looking back every 5-10 steps or so to see if the people behind me were getting even smaller. Soon after, I decided to look up to see how far I'd gone. “You haven’t gone anywhere!” I exclaimed to myself. The tree I marked during my last break was still relatively close. I made less progress this time than I did before my first stop. I immediately started feeling sorry for myself.

That’s when it hit me. I was slipping on loose sand, stumbling over rocks, and falling off the path because I was constantly glancing over my shoulder to see how far I'd gone. In hindsight, this made my journey even more rigorous.

There are a few things that I learned from that hike.

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬ says, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

Similar to the trail I was hiking that day, God has already provided a well-established and illuminated path for us to follow. Sometimes, our own thoughts, emotions, and feelings cause us to lose sight of the path, and we begin to slip and stumble. However, I believe that if we establish a daily habit of praying and reading God's Word, the path will become clearer as we gain an appreciation for "why" we are experiencing hardships.

I eventually completed my challenge and made it to the summit, but it wasn't until I developed a new strategy.

1. Establish checkpoints. Before I restarted, I established what I called “checkpoints” or “mini-goals” along the path where I would rest and reflect (i.e. celebrate my progress). While hiking, I paid close attention to where I stepped; ensuring I constantly progressed as each step was on solid or compacted soil. Lastly, I kept my overall goal in mind: reach the North Fortuna summit, take a picture, and enjoy the sunrise. It is important to note that this portion of the trail did not get any less steep or challenging; however, I knew I had the winning strategy to conquer this adverse situation and achieve my goal.
2. Rest and reflect. One of the biggest contributors to successfully completing this hike was implementing my mini-goals. I set my sights on several large rocks, trees, or recognizable features along the trail and said, “do not stop until you reach that mini-goal.” Once I reached my mini-goal, I did a small celebration to commemorate my progress. In essence, I broke my journey into manageable chunks that I could physically achieve and implemented pre-planned opportunities to refresh my mental resilience. The stops were not long; just quick enough to catch my breath and celebrate my progress. As goes life. Schedule quick moments to rest and reflect on progress, then keep pushing towards your ultimate goal!
3. Live in the moment. While grappling with today’s challenges, we cannot allow ourselves to be burdened by yesterday’s news or overwhelmed with tomorrow’s uncertainties. Matthew 6:34 NLT says, "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Focus on traversing the path ahead of you and achieving your mini-goals instead of gazing at the things behind you or worrying about tomorrow’s uncertainties.
4. Be aware and selective of what (or whom) you allow to validate your efforts. I was gauging my success on the trail off of someone else's progress. In retrospect, those people were taking pictures, enjoying nature, strolling, and most importantly, they didn’t stay along that trail after all. We currently live in a society where it's easy to allow likes, shares, comments, money, and praise to validate us. The issue is those things are temporary. We should only find validation in things that are permanent (e.g. your purpose in life). (Colossians 3:2) For me, it is finding ways to inspire others. My efforts are validated when my children’s books, blog posts, speaking engagements, and my platform in general inspires at least one person to pursue their own goals and dreams.
5. Don’t lose sight of your goal. My overall goal was to reach the summit, and I did! No matter how challenging the journey, never forget where you are going. Your “why” is what drives you day to day. Your “where” is what makes the journey worth it! You can and will achieve all of your goals! Believe in yourself!

Let this promise seep in: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Walk confidently this week knowing that God has your back! He’s there to guide and strengthen you as you conquer every single adverse situation. Through Him, you can and will make it through dark times!

Prayer:

Father, I know I can and will make it because of You! Regardless of how dark my situation seems, thank You for Your reassurance and encouragement. Please exchange all my worries for the peace that surpasses my understanding and guards my heart and mind. I trust You with every inch of my life, and I look forward to pursuing Your purpose. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you need a little help learning and/or teaching others how to make it through dark times, download my complimentary #defeattheshadow Journal at https://parent-child-connect.com/free-resources today!