April 9, 2011 with 6 Comments

311.

I can’t do this anymore

Sometimes I feel like I can’t do this anymore.

I know it sounds melodramatic. I know you’re tempted to call and see if I’m ok.

But the truth is that I identify more with Jeremiah than I ever will with John. I tend to be David on a bad soulful day without the clap your hands and dance version of him.

Some days I feel like I just can’t take another step. I’m backed into a corner with no way out.

I just want an answer. If only God would email me. I’d even take a twitter mention at this point.

When that happens I have to remember these 4 principles from the life of Job, who you can imagine I completely and unabashedly resonate with, even though my life will never be even an iota as bad as his.

But I’m into self pity. So I’ve made myself the poster child for the life of Job.

Nevertheless I digress. Here are four principles from the life of Job when you feel like you can’t do this anymore:

1. Just because I don’t see God doesn’t mean He’s not working. When I’m feeling like I’ve hit a wall, I’ve got to stop and widen my perspective. Read Job 9:10 and Job 23:8-10. God is always working, even when I can’t see Him.

2. Just because I can’t doesn’t mean He can’t. God can do anything. He split the red sea, he fed the 5000, and he turned water into wine. Oh, and I almost forgot, He rose from the dead. He’s big, He’s mighty, and there’s nothing my God cannot do. Just because I can’t jump over the wall doesn’t mean God can’t. In Job 9:10 it says that God does great things beyond searching out, marvelous things beyond number. Job believed that even when his entire world was falling apart. I will believe it too.

3. Just because others can’t doesn’t mean He can’t. Job’s friends were worthless. His wife stands as the example of what not to do. Job’s wife is the trophy of every confirmed bachelor. But just because other people couldn’t fix Job’s problems didn’t mean that the solutions escaped God’s abilities too. In Job 13:4-5 Job calls it like it is. He quiets the naysayers and tunes in to God. I often have to do that too.

4. Just because it hurts doesn’t mean He does.This one really hurts. Can’t a good God always be good? The problem is that I too easily confuse good with happy. God is good not because he gives me everything I want or makes me happy. He is just plain good. Even when life hurts. Even when problems linger. Even when I can’t see why – yet. Job got it. In Job 13:15 he makes this amazing statement: “though he slay me, I will hope in him.” It’s not easy, but I’m learning to say that too.

I tried to keep it light for this Saturday, but I believe if I needed to hear this, many others may have needed it too. Have a great weekend friends.

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  • Gina Nechi

    I like this one too! Even tho I don’t know my plan God already does!!! Thanks Lina have a great weekend!

  • Kina

    When I feel like this, I remember Paul in Phillippians 3:12-13 saying,….”Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead”

    Keep moving forward and press in. Refocus. Be blessed and encouraged! Peace.

  • Milo

    God is good all the time. Remember the train that could. Persevere and
    God will preserve. He is in. Control, He knows and He cares. Have a great day

  • RAM

    Needed it here this. :)

  • Lynda Nickels

    thanks Lina…a Word for me today. I can’t imagine being too much sadder or out of control of the situation right now, but wavering in my faith and hope in my Saviour…not even a thought…on another note “My dad said today…Is Dr. Lina driving her motorcycle today? Is she a motorcycle mama?” Somehow you talking about your scooter put a different image in my dad’s mind…made me laugh! Lina, God is using you in HUGE ways every day. Praying that he will keep you in His perfect peace today.

  • Ana-Maria

    I can definitely relate. The book of Job might be one of my favorite books in the Bible, along with the other depressive prophets. It’s too easy to throw self-pity parties. Thanks for this reminder.
    To go with Job’s wisdom, here’s David’s faith:
    Ps. 116:7 ” Be at rest, once more, o my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”