Doing The Right Thing

Just because it hurts doesn’t mean you’re not doing the right thing. Just like courage is not the absence of fear--it’s just that you keep going anyway because you know it’s the right thing. Sometimes it feels overwhelming because your emotions and your thoughts are pulling you in different directions. What you are going through feels awful, but perhaps it might be leading somewhere good.

If you are someone who journals, go back and read those entries that led you here; let them ground you in what you know. If you have a good friend you confide in, ask them to remind you of where you’ve been and where you are going. If you like to meditate, find a favorite verse in the Bible that is pertinent to your situation, reflect on it and get it deep inside you.

When the pain gets too great it’s easy to think that you’re doing the wrong thing. If this was the right thing, shouldn’t it feel better than this? Not necessarily. Your situation may feel difficult, it may feel hard, and in fact it might be the hardest thing you’ve ever gone through in your life. But perhaps it is also the strongest thing you’ve ever done, and will end up being the most empowering thing you’ve ever done. You might not be able to see it now, but you will one day.

Tell yourself today: this isn’t happening to me, it’s happening for me! I’ve got this!

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.  Joshua 1:9 (NIV)