3:343 – Snap Out Of It Or Keep Going!

#faithbites #faithjourney snap

Setting

Have you ever been so deep in something that you’ve felt trapped? Is it the trapped that you are almost there or the trapped that you need to snap out and do something else? I’ve seen both this week.

The first was completing my dissertation. There were times when I just wanted to quit. I was so frustrated and beat down that I didn’t see any point in trudging along. But through prayer, support, and dedication, I kept going and completed it. The second was my youngest. Sometimes she gets upset about something little, tonight was having two sweets instead of one, that she goes into a downward spiral ending in losing electronics, sweets, playtime, and more. She can’t seem to snap out of it until it’s too late. Granted, after calming down, we talk and come out of it.

Have you experienced this? Under what situations have you had to decide to keep going or snap out of it?

Scripture

• James 1:12 – God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
• Hebrews 10:36 – For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
• Psalm 37:23-24 – The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.

Reflection

To keep going or snap out of it? That is the question. Without God, we will always make the wrong choice. Even with God, we may make the wrong choice. But, as we see in Psalm 37, he will uphold us with his hand. We may fall but will never be lost. Perseverance is tough and is a trait that is hard to hone for many of us. Changing direction is also very difficult. In some cases, where we should snap out of it, we feel like we are quitters. We are told that we should never give up, but sometimes, we just need to change direction.

Personally for me, I feel that I just need to push harder and it will work out. I need to learn to ask God for when to keep going and when to snap out of it. How about you? Are you able to know the difference? If not, or if like me you are still struggling, seek God out.

Challenge

What is on your heart? Where are you struggling to make the choice to snap out of it or keep going. Write it down. List the true pros and cons of each one. Pray on it. Set it aside. See how Jesus answers your prayers. It will become clearer over time.

Prayer

Father God, you give us free will and we are thankful for that. Often though, we get ourselves in situations where we are struggling to know if we just need to work harder or if we need to change direction and snap out of it. From the outside, these may seem to be simple choices, but in the middle of it, we struggle mightily.

Lord, grant us peace and guidance as we struggle and wrestle with these decisions. We pray that you may our choice clear. If we choose poorly, we seek your forgiveness and wisdom to choose wisely the next time.

Lord, this isn’t easy for us and we thank you for your eternal presence in our lives. We raise all of this to you in your name, Amen.