How to stay strong through difficult times

We all go through tumultuous circumstances. How do we stay strong? How do we get through?

First, and this may surprise you, we don't have to stay strong. We can allow ourselves to be weak, vulnerable, and exposed. I've always tried to muscle my way through life. And as life would have it, there are times when I just can't. I need to admit, I alone cannot overcome the hurt, nor the pain. I alone, cannot find my way through this.

Most of you know that I'm a believer in Jesus Christ. When going through difficult times, I've learned it is best to go to my Heavenly Father. For me, He is strong when I am not. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "And He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  

What Paul is saying, and I agree with, is it's okay to give your rights over to those who can help you. For me, I find strength in going to God with my burdens. Asking Him to lead the way. And I also share my struggles with trusted advisers, who will pray for and with me, or offer advice, give me direction or give me a referral to someone who can help.  In our willingness to be vulnerable about our problems (we all have them), we find freedom, grace and mercy.

At the end of the day, each trial, each storm we live through, is forming us into the version of ourselves we are meant to be. Have faith and hope in the midst of it all. Because in my opinion, there will come a glorious day when we'll no longer suffer from the sin of the world. Amen?!