How To Thrive Through Confusing Times

Last night, I read a personal email from my immigration attorney advising me against travel outside the US at this time, she expressed concern about uncertainties which may or may not apply to me now but could in the future.  In the last few weeks, I have received information from my family in Cameroon about the disruptions to daily life at home. Some of my cousins have been out of school for several weeks, my mother’s private practice is struggling in the aftermath of the political tensions primarily affecting Anglophones. Internet services are indefinitely suspended in both English-speaking regions of the country dampening communication between citizens and family members in the diaspora.

All these things are limiting, unfair, unjust, threatening, annoying, aggravating or whatever word you may choose to fit my emotions. When we are faced with subtle threats to our existence, it is very human to choose helplessness over hope, anger over grace and to ask why all this is happening?

 

So, in my quiet time that is exactly what I did. I asked God how to live thrive survive cope exist during such confusing times.  For anyone like myself; without legislative power, voting rights or physical presence where I can have an immediate impact on pressing issues that affect my life and family today, here are a few things I believe He deposited in my heart.

1.  First; Trust in His (God’s ) Sovereignty.

   
   “As for God, His way is blameless. The word of the Lord is tested [it is perfect, it is faultless]; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. ” Psalm 18:30
   

   Choose to believe that God has a better plan, then give your plans and solutions to Him to lead you in His path. The best way to trust wholly is to realize your limitations but without failing to recognize your authority. The difference being that your authority comes from submission to God’s authority.  He functions with an eternal perspective and has a place for us to offer hope and restore our communities but we need to seek Him to find out how to do it.

2. Then; Pick Your Battles Wisely.

                “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you                        will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 3:33

   We have to resist the urge to focus on the distractions to our purpose during such times. Prayer, petition, service, encouragement, hope –  are a few things we can offer one another to help through the healing process of many who may equally feel helpless. Contrarily, public arguments and rumination of the facts do not seem to get us closer to a solution but help to fuel anger and strife. So, choose to focus on the ball in your hand and play with that. Choose to run your own race in the best way Godly possible.

As I implement both concepts, I hope to maintain my peace and continue to thrive now and even when the dust settles.

Love,

Nina.