How do I cope when life’s demands seem impossible?
Genesis 41:16“It is beyond my power to do this,” Joseph replied. “But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease.”
Matthew 19:26Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Luke 1:37“The word of God will never fail.”
Philippians 4:13I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
What seems impossible for you is never impossible for God. At times, God will do the impossible in your life to show you he is there. Expect it, and don’t miss it when it comes.
Psalm 31:24So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!
Psalm 39:7So, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.
Psalm 44:6I do not trust in my bow; I do not count on my sword to save me.
Psalm 60:12With God’s help we will do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.
Proverbs 3:5Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.
Genesis 24:12“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.”
When life’s demands seem impossible, pray to God. He must be your first line of defense. Ask him for success, for guidance, for help. He will provide for you.
Luke 10:40-42Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Colossians 3:23Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
When life’s demands seem impossible, it could be that your priorities are out of whack. Take the time to talk to God about what is overwhelming you and be sure to align those items with God’s priorities. The more you align your activities, motives, and priorities with God’s, the more confident you will be that you have not brought your troubles upon yourself. This relieves guilt and regret, helping you to better cope.
Mark 1:35Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
The key to coping when life’s demands seem impossible is to set your priorities early. Don’t let everyone else decide what your day should look like—that should be between you and God. If everyone else determines our day, it’s going to feel impossible and, ultimately, meaningless. If you make time with God your first priority of the day, you will find that he will give you perspective on your activities for the rest of the day. Ask God to show you what is worth being concerned about.
Exodus 18:18, 21-24“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself. . . . But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace.” Moses listened to his father-in-law’s advice and followed his suggestions.
Don’t try to keep your problems to yourself. After seeking God’s help in prayer, then share your burden with wise and godly people you can trust. Many times seeking godly advice may provide a workable solution you had not considered. God’s wisdom may flow to you through godly counselors. Moses’ father-in-law saw that he was trying to do it all and suggested that he divide up the responsibility of settling disputes with other trusted leaders—leaving only the most difficult for him to handle. Moses listened and was a much more effective leader that way.
1 Chronicles 28:20David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”
1 Corinthians 15:58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
Attitude is so important because it affects motivation—you may feel like things are impossible, but if you trust God to help you plan and adjust priorities, you can focus on the important tasks with a positive attitude. Never give up, fight your battles with courage, and maintain a positive attitude that is based on the facts that the God of the universe loves you, created you, and has offered you the assurance of eternal life. God is working for you, not against you. Remind yourself of that every day and watch how that positively affects your attitude.
