So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. – 1 Peter 5:6

We’ve all heard the term, “Take it like a man.” Yeah, it’s supposed to make us set our jaw and dry our tears and stand a little taller. Cause men don’t cry or whine, and they can stand up to an immense amount of pain, right? Right?

I have a new saying for you. How about when times get tough, we “Take it like a child of God.”

Oh sure, Shelly, that sounds all well and good, but what exactly does that mean? Well, let’s take a peek into scripture. Let’s see what THE Child of God did when He reached dark days.

Step 1:
Surround yourself with Godly friends that you can lean on. Jesus chose His twelve. Some He lost forever, some He lost for a time, but He chose each one with care and He depended on them.

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. – John 6:66-68

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. – Proverbs 18:24

Step 2:
Take time to serve. Even if it’s just to lend a compassionate ear or lift someone up in prayer, give what you can to others. It will do you a world of good to refocus away from self and to know that you make a difference.

And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. – John 13:14

He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. – 2 Corinthians 1:4

Step 3:
Pray constantly. Find a quiet, private place. Don’t just whisper platitudes or memorized words. Pour your heart our to your Father. Be real and honest with your feelings and your needs.

He prayed more fervently, and he was in such agony of spirit that his sweat fell to the ground like great drops of blood. – Luke 22:44

But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. “When you pray, don’t babble on and on as people of other religions do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again. Don’t be like them, for your Father knows exactly what you need even before you ask him! – Matthew 6:6-8

Step 4:
Ask for mercy. It’s that simple.

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Matthew 26:39

For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. – Luke 11:10

Step 5:
Fulfill your purpose. God has created you as a vessel for His glory. Whatever that entails, trust that He can and will get you through. Be willing.

He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” – Matthew 26:39

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. – Colossians 3:23

Step 6:
Commit yourself into His care. Give up the striving, the reaching, the fighting. Surrender yourself completely to Him.

Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”And with those words he breathed his last. – Luke 23:46

Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. – James 4:7

It was good enough for Jesus. It’s definitely good enough for me.

How about you? Are you ready to take it like a child of God?

Dear Lord, keep me grounded when I feel like I might fly apart. Let me remember the example You left us. Thank You for your unfailing love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly