How to Thrive When You’re Overwhelmed
Does life ever feel like too much?
Sometimes it can feel so overwhelming, and it can seem like we don't have what it takes to face it. Thankfully, this is where God shows up in our lives.
In 1 Kings 17:7–16, there is a story about a widow who had only a handful of flour and a little bit of oil during a drought. She and her son were at the end of their food and preparing to starve to death. That's when Elijah shows up and asks her to share some water and bread with him.
Just like when Jesus fed the 5,000, God turned what little the widow had into more than enough.
Under normal circumstances, making bread would have used all of her flour and oil, but this was an extraordinary circumstance. In verse 16, it says:
“The jar of flour was not spent, neither did the jug of oil become empty, according to the word of the LORD that he spoke by Elijah.”
The widow came with a nearly-empty vessel and God filled it.
When we feel like life is too much, we can remember that the impossible places are often where God starts. Miracles are what God does.
But, he doesn't want to do it alone. God wants to work together with us—with you—to make these miracles happen. We are his vessels.
So, whatever you do have in your hand today, I encourage you to give that to God. He will multiply it.
Some of the most transformative moments in my life have been when I have stepped out of my comfort zone and handed over that area of my life to God.
And, believe it or not, that has included my marriage.
My husband, Brian, and I are coming up on 17 years of marriage, but there was a time when we thought our relationship might not survive.
About 12 years ago, my husband, Brian, and I spent over a year separated. There were a lot of issues that led us to separate:
Brian was in a high-stress job and in a personally dark place. He was drinking too much, and he often isolated himself. He thought that mental health and wellness was for people other than him.
I, on the other hand, had this idea of an ideal marriage. It was on a high pedestal for me, and I thought having issues in your marriage meant there was something wrong with you. Admitting we had issues would mean I had failed in my pursuit of a “perfect” life and marriage.
My mom was a faithful listener to New Life Live, and she shared with us about New Life’s Intimacy In Marriage Retreat. She encouraged us to go, and we actually signed up.
Through this event, we realized that we weren’t alone in our struggles. Other people from all walks of life were experiencing similar issues, and they were also seeking healthy ways toward healing.
We learned how to communicate our needs, grow in our empathy for each other, and better understand one another.
If we hadn’t stepped out of our comfort zones and attended the marriage workshop, then our marriage might not have survived. It at least would likely look significantly different today.
If we hadn’t decided to make a change, we might never have experienced healing.
I want to encourage you to take a step out of your comfort zone just like the widow did (and just like Brian and I did!).
Whether it's a personal drought in your work, relationships, marriage or something else completely, bring it to God.
The widow brought all that she had, even though it was small, and God blessed and multiplied it. I truly believe he will do the same for you.
Do you want to hear more about my and Brian’s story of healing in our marriage? You can listen to our story and the testimony of God's healing power here on New Life’s YouTube channel.
You can make good and healthy changes, friend. You just need to take that first step toward hope and equip yourself with the right tools. You can do this!