As I shared yesterday in my post Prayers Needed, I had two things hit within a few days. Adversity is part of life in this world. It is how we respond that counts. Living with more than one chronic illness, each of which can cause depression, means that I need to be more vigilant when it comes to how I respond.
So when gut punch time comes, and it has more than once in my life, some things that have helped me to not give up, give in.
God– for me it all starts with seeking God. He already knows how it will turn out. Spending time in worship at home such as Paul did while in jail. Lifting up our needs to God, He knew my needs before I asked which is what Jesus taught in Matthew 6:7
For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him
Prayer– God knows what we need, but we need prayer. We need to connect with God to help us remember we are not alone as we face difficult time.
Share– Sharing the situation, asking others to pray, seeking input from those we trust.
Positive Steps– Prayer is always a positive step as is sharing the need. Other positive step examples- On Monday I updated my resume, wrote a new cover letter, and applied for positions in the school district. I had an online meeting with the Director which was scheduled before I found out the news about my position being reduced to two hours short of qualifying for insurance. It was during that meeting I learned of one opportunity.
Self Talk– It is important to watch how we talk to ourselves. Reminding ourselves that God is with us, and of the positive steps we take each day, can help stave off that feeling of wanting to give up.
I have found that when I do these things, seek God, pray, share, positive steps and watching how I talk to myself, that I helps me to do what Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:13
and having done all, to stand
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Joshua 1:9 Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Deuteronomy 31:6,8 Be strong and bold; have no fear or dread of them, because it is the Lord your God who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you.
Thank you little sister!!!
Amen, Dad. You have grown up in God so well. You are always such an encouraging example and help others to stand in there troubles as well. Thank you. ❤❤❤❤
Love ❤️ you too ❤️❤️❤️
Your “Let Go and Let God” advice resonated with me. We all need to be careful and realize we “need to be more vigilant when it comes to how I[we] respond.” Thank you, Jesus. ❤
Amen – more vigilant
“And having done all to stand” Stand in faith in the promises of God. I pray that God will give you the strength to stand, big brother.
Thank you little sister!!!
May the Lord give you strength, meet your needs and keep your eyes focused on Him brother Matt.
Thank you Manu!!!
Brother Matt: I continue to pray for your work and transportation needs. Any leads on a new (to you) van?
No leads yet. I am going to start a Go Fund Me to see if that will help.
Thanks for sharing this list of helps for hard times. These are very wise things. Praying things work out soon.
Thank you for praying little sister. 🙂