When you have to push through

21 Comments 12 January 2012

I’m in one of those places in my life where I feel pushed, pulled, squeezed and prodded–pressed into far more than I can go. And there’s not much to do but to keep taking steps forward. It reminds me a bit of France, how every day was a test in perseverance. The picture here is one taken on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice on a picture perfect day.

But even then, I had to push through. Even when recreation loomed, I had to make myself enjoy life.

Have you ever been there?

I’m thankful this time of trying and testing and doing too many new things has an end. I’m glad I don’t have to continue this pace forever. And I’m thankful more than anything for Jesus’ strength in my weakness.

Productivity is good, but it must not be at the expense of health, connection or our relationship with Him. So would you pray for me? I’ve got a book to write, talks to prepare, things to launch, and so much more. All in a compacted period of time. I’m Leia in the Star Wars trash compactor, feeling the push of the walls, helpless to stop them. I need your prayers to push through to the next phase.

Thanks for reading this disclosure post. Hopefully I’m not coming across as a Me Monster. I’m curious if you’ve struggled with periods of your life where “overwhelmed” describes your every day. If so, may Jesus hold you, heal you, give you strength and infuse in you a clear perspective of the next step.

Be Sociable, Share!

No related posts.

Be Sociable, Share!

« The Enemy of the Believer is Boredom

Living Uncaged in Mexico »

http://lauriewallin.com/ Laurie Wallin

Oh yes. Many times. The longer I live, the more often those moments seem to come somehow. But in them a sweetness too. Like you said – a wisdom to know “this time of trying and testing and doing too many new
things has an end. I’m glad I don’t have to continue this pace forever.
And I’m thankful more than anything for Jesus’ strength in my weakness.” So, no, you’re not being a Me Monster . You’re being real, and inviting in that sincerity. Praying for you in this. For both of us in our trash-compactor moments (mine with hubby’s semi-employment and daughter’s mental health crisis). May God give us unbridled strength in the unbearable moments. Hang in there girl!

http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

Amen, let it be so. For HIS glory!

http://lauriewallin.com/ Laurie Wallin

Oh yes. Many times. The longer I live, the more often those moments seem to come somehow. But in them a sweetness too. Like you said – a wisdom to know “this time of trying and testing and doing too many new
things has an end. I’m glad I don’t have to continue this pace forever.
And I’m thankful more than anything for Jesus’ strength in my weakness.” So, no, you’re not being a Me Monster . You’re being real, and inviting in that sincerity. Praying for you in this. For both of us in our trash-compactor moments (mine with hubby’s semi-employment and daughter’s mental health crisis). May God give us unbridled strength in the unbearable moments. Hang in there girl!
http://brookeespinoza.blogspot.com/ Brooke Espinoza

Great post! When I feel overwhelmed, I have to pause and remind myself what are my priorities vs. what I think needs to be done now. Once I see what is truly important for me that day, and what can wait, I am able to regroup and return my attention to what is truly important. When I need an extra push, I remember one of my favorite quotes, “If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”
http://brookeespinoza.blogspot.com/ Brooke Espinoza

Great post! When I feel overwhelmed, I have to pause and remind myself what are my priorities vs. what I think needs to be done now. Once I see what is truly important for me that day, and what can wait, I am able to regroup and return my attention to what is truly important. When I need an extra push, I remember one of my favorite quotes, “If you really want something, you’ll find a way. If not, you’ll find an excuse.”
http://www.mandysantos.com/ Mandy

Mary,
I’m so there right now too. A little overwhelmed by the tasks before me and not sure what to do next. I’m praying now for you- for God’s grace to wash over you and give you the ability to focus on one task at a time. As strange as it may be, you encourage me in your discouragement. It’s not how we respond when everything is going well that matters, but how we respond when it’s not. Being open, honest, and willing to ask for help is so key. You rock!
http://www.mandysantos.com/ Mandy

Mary,
I’m so there right now too. A little overwhelmed by the tasks before me and not sure what to do next. I’m praying now for you- for God’s grace to wash over you and give you the ability to focus on one task at a time. As strange as it may be, you encourage me in your discouragement. It’s not how we respond when everything is going well that matters, but how we respond when it’s not. Being open, honest, and willing to ask for help is so key. You rock!
Karen Nolan Bell

Oh, dear precious Mary. I pray for you daily. I see you struggle. I understand struggle. So much of my life has been like those cages where all the lucky lottery numbers are tossed and tossed until finally one pops out and you just wish it was your number and all your troubles would be over. I have struggled so much in my almost 58 years (my birthday is next week). I have felt overwhelmed, out of control… Oh, maybe that’s it! Out of control. At those moments in our lives when we try to control all the chaos ourselves instead of giving it to God, everything seems to overwhelm us and rob us of success, contentment, happiness, and humility. He knows exactly what it takes to bring us to His feet. He desires to tell us it’s okay and He is going to take care of everything. He loves for us to empty all the control-grabbing desires into His lap through our tears as we relinquish it all. At that point, if we listen, He will tell us what is important to Him. He will help us get back on track and sweep away all those time and attention grabbers that are keeping us from doing only the things He wants us to do.

I recently realized I am taking on too many activities that are taking me away from the one thing He told me to do – write for Him. I spent too much time doing everything else – all good things, but the wrong things.

I will continue to pray for you during this time of renewal. He has given you everything you need to complete the job He has for you to do.
Karen Nolan Bell

Oh, dear precious Mary. I pray for you daily. I see you struggle. I understand struggle. So much of my life has been like those cages where all the lucky lottery numbers are tossed and tossed until finally one pops out and you just wish it was your number and all your troubles would be over. I have struggled so much in my almost 58 years (my birthday is next week). I have felt overwhelmed, out of control… Oh, maybe that’s it! Out of control. At those moments in our lives when we try to control all the chaos ourselves instead of giving it to God, everything seems to overwhelm us and rob us of success, contentment, happiness, and humility. He knows exactly what it takes to bring us to His feet. He desires to tell us it’s okay and He is going to take care of everything. He loves for us to empty all the control-grabbing desires into His lap through our tears as we relinquish it all. At that point, if we listen, He will tell us what is important to Him. He will help us get back on track and sweep away all those time and attention grabbers that are keeping us from doing only the things He wants us to do.

I recently realized I am taking on too many activities that are taking me away from the one thing He told me to do – write for Him. I spent too much time doing everything else – all good things, but the wrong things.

I will continue to pray for you during this time of renewal. He has given you everything you need to complete the job He has for you to do.
http://www.prayerspa.blogspot.com/ Wishdjoy

You are either learning or you are going in the wrong direction? Do you have lots in your life and you forget? Well it’s my battle, “accept the things I cannot change.”
http://www.marydemuth.com Mary DeMuth

You folks are entirely, amazingly encouraging. Thanks. It’s good to know I’m not alone. And I’m blessed that you prayed for me.
http://successbeginstoday.org/wordpress John Richardson

I definitely can relate. It’s hard to focus when you have so many things coming at you. Setting a timer, turning off distractions, and doing ONE thing always brings me back. It’s just hard to find that timer some days…
Mjsplint3

Hi Mary ~ Like us all, I have been there. I recall when I turned 50, the Lord sent me back to school where I spent 6 years studying towards my bachelor and master’s degrees in seminary. At this same time I was busy enjoying a growing granddaughter. My mother took a stroke and was hospitalized until such time as the decision was made to place her in a nursing home. I moved her out of her apartment and handled her bills. I visited her 2-3 times a week. All this while going to school without the benefit of complete memory. :0)
I could not have accomplished this without the Lord and I must say that I could have done much better had I worked at a closer relationship with him throughout this time. I was so overwhelmed…so busy….so preoccupied…I often gave him only moments of my time. So, I often struggled through my days as a result.
Close relationship is everything. I am still learning to put to practice what I know…..just like alot of other Christians.
I also learned, just like alot of other Christians, that I cannot do everything and some things just need to be put on hold, rearranged, or stopped.
May the Lord bless you as you carry on. Judi.
Mjsplint3

Hi Mary ~ Like us all, I have been there. I recall when I turned 50, the Lord sent me back to school where I spent 6 years studying towards my bachelor and master’s degrees in seminary. At this same time I was busy enjoying a growing granddaughter. My mother took a stroke and was hospitalized until such time as the decision was made to place her in a nursing home. I moved her out of her apartment and handled her bills. I visited her 2-3 times a week. All this while going to school without the benefit of complete memory. :0)
I could not have accomplished this without the Lord and I must say that I could have done much better had I worked at a closer relationship with him throughout this time. I was so overwhelmed…so busy….so preoccupied…I often gave him only moments of my time. So, I often struggled through my days as a result.
Close relationship is everything. I am still learning to put to practice what I know…..just like alot of other Christians.
I also learned, just like alot of other Christians, that I cannot do everything and some things just need to be put on hold, rearranged, or stopped.
May the Lord bless you as you carry on. Judi.
http://juliesunne.com/ Julie Sunne

Definitely been there, Mary, more than once. It is difficult to know what to let go of during times of multiple deadlines. May the Lord give you discernment to distinguish those tasks that will glorify Him from those that can be set aside for awhile; focus for efficiency; strength and perseverance; and peace so you can rest.
http://juliesunne.com/ Julie Sunne

Definitely been there, Mary, more than once. It is difficult to know what to let go of during times of multiple deadlines. May the Lord give you discernment to distinguish those tasks that will glorify Him from those that can be set aside for awhile; focus for efficiency; strength and perseverance; and peace so you can rest.
http://juliesunne.com/ Julie Sunne

Definitely been there, Mary, more than once. It is difficult to know what to let go of during times of multiple deadlines. May the Lord give you discernment to distinguish those tasks that will glorify Him from those that can be set aside for awhile; focus for efficiency; strength and perseverance; and peace so you can rest.
http://twitter.com/thephonetree Kim Teamer

A Prayer 4U: Most Holy and Righteous Father, please be Mary’s comfort and peace at this time. Grant her all that she needs as she completes the works You have called her forth to do. Be her buffer and her brilliance, and make her way and words sure. Gift her with Your energy. Touch her with Your grace. Surround her with Your presence. In Christ. Amen.

Yes. I have so been there.

Hugs in Jesus,
Kim
http://faithcoloredglasses.com/ LauraLee

Yes, have SO been there in different ways. I will be praying for you, Mary. I’m glad you shared.
Alycia M

Mary, I’m also in a stretching and challenging season with God. So, I completely relate with your post this morning.
Can I pray for you? Lord, you never give us more than we can handle. As Mary follows your lead in her life, I pray you carry her when she is faint, give her Your strength to endure, and renew her daily so that she may soar in the things You’ve called her to do. You promise that Your word never fails and You bring all You’ve begun in us to completion. We thank You in advance for the blessings she’ll receive at the end of this season. In Jesus’ holy name we pray. Amen.
Gail

Father of Wonder and Strength, I pray that you provide Mary with the extra energy, motivation and verbal ability to fulfill your glory through her writing and speaking. May she feel your presence in the push and pull. May she be your servant each step of the way as she follows you. Stretch her gently and allow her more hours in the day as she needs them. I praise you for all You do in her life and for the glory she brings to You as she pushes through this crazy period in her life. I pray these things in the Mighty Power of Jesus. Amen