Stoic Heart

Two simple words: Too. Much.

Sometimes it’s all just too much!

Life has a funny way of testing the ways we deal with plan B. Not necessarily a permanent plan, but these seasons can sometimes be long, abrasive, and drying to our joy and peace. When it seems as though life has become all too cunning, we develop a stoic heart.

Stoic.

Meaning, to be present and endure hardship without outward feeling or expression. It’s the ability to just “be” in times when we could really use a saving hand. Probably not a good place to be in, but let’s face it; we’ve all been there.

As followers of Christ, we are not immune to hardship and trial, or the testing of faith. Jesus tells us,

“I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33).

That’s right, He did say, tribulation. Sometimes life doesn’t go as planned, as expected, or as we thought it would turn out. However, we have a great joy in Christ no matter what comes in our direction. Does that sound like an overused, empty, redundant cliché? Understanding that phrase, means understanding our DNA in Christ. The more knowledge we have of who He has made us become and the life we are called into, the more we are overcomers through Jesus and His powerful Word. The Bible says,

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12).

Friends, life is a battle and can leave you feeling defeated or motionless. Don’t surrender! Don’t give in! God is for us and never against us, and when life doesn’t go as planned we can be sure that our Father can change ANY circumstance. Keep in mind, whatever the end result, and regardless of your perspective on the outcome, you always have the upper hand through Christ. What great joy!

If a stoic heart has got you glum, rise up to the challenge of taking God for His word and life will look different then you could ever imagine.

And so, we leave you with this Word,

“And looking at them, Jesus said to them, ‘With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible,” (Matthew 19:26).