When Life Knocks You Down

You can Still Rise up Again

Life has its way of exposing us to situations that test our preparedness, surprising us. Difficult times do not ease up on you or even warn you. They just break into your life at any time, usually uninvited, testing your strength, resilience, and faith to their limits. 

It is, however, in those very rough times of hardship and strife that our actual character becomes truly molded and defined. 

So, the day life brings you unexpectedly down on your knees, what really counts is not how forceful your fall was but how you get back up again that truly defines who you are.

1. Embrace the Struggle

 While adversity can be encountered by all at different points in their lives, it is indeed an inescapable part of the human experience. On the other hand, it provides a very great opportunity for development and change in personality. 

Instead of despairing and feeling hopeless over the hardships that come your way, it is much more beneficial for your entire being to embrace the struggle you are going through. 

Every obstacle that shows up before you is an opportunity to learn good lessons from life, and it will make you grow as a person. As James 1:2-4 has so beautifully articulated, 

"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow."

So let it bloom and develop without trying to run or escape from your trials and tribulations. For when your patience is finally at its utmost and in full bloom, then it is that you will be ready for whatever trial may come your way.

In this way you will be fitted with a strong, well-rounded, resilient character, whole and complete in your approach to life's trials.

2. Rely on Your Beliefs and Trust in Something Greater

Faith is such a very powerful and vital fuel that allows us to go through many of the most trying situations in life with strength and hope. 

It is easy, in most cases, to trust and believe in God when things are going well and according to our plans. The storms and adversities we go through in life test real faith. 

When trouble comes your way and challenges ensue, it becomes quite important to draw deeper into your faith. Trust that God has a meaningful and purposeful plan for you, even though, at the moment, you cannot see that plan clearly. 

As Romans 8:28 TLB reminds us, 

"And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans."

3. Keep Pushing Forward

But the most dangerous that occurs during these times is that insidious urge to just give up the fight and wallow in despair. No matter how difficult and bothersome life can sometimes prove to be, never allow yourself to stop trying to move on with your life in pursuit of a sound purpose. 

Sometimes, progress might be slow, but every little step you make, no matter how seemingly unimportant, is a step closer to victory and success.

The Apostle Paul faced a host of troubles and tribulations all the way along his lifetime. Yet with all these severe hostilities and barriers, he had firmly kept his feet to proceed with a motive and goal. 

In the epistle to the Philippians, precisely in chapter 3, words 13-14, he articulates, 

"No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us." 

This  underlines the depth and girth of focusing on the future. We advance the vocation God has given us with high encouragement and motivation over the marvelous and precious price of Christ Jesus for him. 

4. Trust the strength from God.

Our individual strength alone is often inadequate for us to successfully overcome the weighty  challenges of life. 

However, when we make the decision to trust and depend on God, we're able to tap into unlimited source of divine strength that empowers us above and beyond our own human limitations. 

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) contains an encouraging and assuring message that is powerful: 

"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, you are my God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

We are not alone in the fight of life and that God is always present to uplift and empower us through our battles.

5. Remember, This Too Shall Pass

No hardship lasts forever. Even the darkest night eventually gives way to the dawn. 

Hold on to hope and remember that your current situation is temporary. 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (TLB) puts it beautifully: 

“These troubles and sufferings of ours are, after all, quite small and won’t last very long. Yet this short time of distress will result in God’s richest blessing upon us forever and ever!

Instead of focusing our attention on the challenges and difficulties we can easily see in our current situation, on all the sorts of troubles and hardships that press in upon us daily, we turn our gaze with a sense of hope and expectancy upon the immense and wonderful joys awaiting us in heaven. 

We are assured of great things we have not seen or experienced. The troubles which now burden and crush us will, in a little while, pass away and be forgotten. 

But those deeper joys which are yet to come will abide forever and never depart from us.

Conclusion

This is an entirely and absolutely natural portion of the human experience. But it most assuredly doesn't have to be what defines or directs your person. 

Through those times when life seems to cut you off at the pass, it's time to get back up knowing that you are stronger, wiser, and more resilient than you ever knew you could be. 

Take your trust in God's overall design for your life, laying the foundation of faith even further, and never forget that no adversity is ever too great when you are walking with Him. 

As one struggles through these trials and tribulations, and finally surmounts them, you realize that hardship is not just a downfall for you. Through that trying time, it was possibly one of the finest and the most inspirational comebacks.

Keep it going, keep the faith, and keep raising the bar. The best is yet to happen and the fondest of memories are still to be created!

Scriptures Referenced:

James 1:2-4 TLB 

Romans 8:28 TLB 

Philippians 3:13-14 (TLB) 

Isaiah 41:10 (TLB) 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (TLB)