Last weekend I was in Grand Island with about 1200 other people. We were there for the Great Plains Conference One Event. An event created to bring the youth of the Great Plains Conference (Kansas and Nebraska) to one location to praise God and unite the two states.
For me the most outstanding part of the event was an illusionist named Danny Ray. I have always been fascinated by magic and this was no different. He did some mind blowing card tricks, and one with a quarter, a can of Diet Coke Lime, and a lime but the one that sticks out as most powerful was a trick where he escaped from a straight jacket, one that was too small for him to begin with. He brought an incredible message about struggle. That even through life's struggles with God and when we rely on God the impossible is truly possible.
As we watched him struggle on stage to get out of this straight jacket, I began thinking of all those in our community that are struggling and the hopelessness that often occurs in the depths of our struggles. It took me to a place of deep despair and worry. I thought about the youth that surrounded me and what they must be thinking while watching this. I wondered if they felt as I did like there was no way for him to get out, that we were going to watch him exhaust himself on the stage. But as the struggle continued and he began to make progress on his restraints I started to feel hope. I remembered that all things are possible in God and that even in our darkest hours, God is there to show us the way out.
No situation is truly hopeless as long as we have God on our side. And the good news is that God never leaves us. He walks along side us, he carries us when we need a lift, he brings light to the darkness. And that to me is great news! Danny Ray escaped from the too small straight jacket and it was amazing! He was out of breath and looked exhausted, showing us that it wasn't easy but working through the struggle never is. But he gave a message of hope, a message that it is possible to break free, it is possible to accomplish the impossible. And that really there is no such thing as impossible when there is God.
There will be times of struggle, there will be times where things seem hopeless, but those are the times that we need to remember to rely on God. The help may come in many different forms, but it will always come. What are you struggling with this week and how are you going to rely on God to help you through?
Until next time,
~Michelle
My struggle this past week was my new RA job. I'm trying to get adjusted to living with new people and kiddos! With this came the start of classes on Wednesday last Wednesday. I think I really relied on the moral support of my parents and friends to get through it. Ultimately though, I relied on God. One of the things that I try to remind myself of is that God is literally always there. Whenever I need him he is there. That was my ultimate source of strength this week.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the new job. I know it is not an easy one and I am proud of you for relying on God to get you through the first week. I do think it is amazing that God is always there, no matter what and to help us through it all, no matter how big or small the problem is. I am glad that you made him your ultimate strength this week.
DeleteMy struggle this past week was my new RA job. I'm trying to get adjusted to living with new people and kiddos! With this came the start of classes on Wednesday last Wednesday. I think I really relied on the moral support of my parents and friends to get through it. Ultimately though, I relied on God. One of the things that I try to remind myself of is that God is literally always there. Whenever I need him he is there. That was my ultimate source of strength this week.
ReplyDelete