Are you up for a challenge? This one will come about from that hidden part of you deep, deep inside. It will take all the strength you have—and beyond your own power—to conquer. It’s called the Tough Times Challenge.
First off, I assume you’re a lot like me. I like having my conveniences—my favorite places to go and people to see—when I want them.
- I like to go shopping without fear of catching a disease.
- I like going to a restaurant and sitting down inside it to eat my food.
- I like having toilet paper and facial tissue at my disposal when I need it.
- I like to watch TV shows without constant news interruptions filled with dreadful reports.
- And what I don’t like is that this pandemic is consuming every part of my daily activity, with no specific end date in sight.
I know that I can’t change the circumstances but I can change my thinking. How? Through intentional thankfulness all day long. It’s not an easy undertaking, but it is helping me get through these challenging days.
In the morning
When I awake, I sit upright in bed and immediately begin a prayer of gratitude to God by saying “Thank You” for things such as:
- Keeping my family healthy
- Providing food and supplies for us
- Giving us shelter
- Giving me love from family and friends
- Providing work during these hard times
- And anything else that comes to mind
On a list
I’m also keeping a small notebook near my bed, so I can jot down things I’m thankful for as I go through the daily grind. As you know, these days at home are becoming long and monotonous.
Emotions run from high anxiety to calm and laughter as we move through the daily tasks with our families. For me, it helps to keep a paper and pen nearby to remind myself of the many things for which to be thankful through this stormy time of life.
At bedtime
As I end my day, I try to remember to thank the Lord for all He has provided over the previous twelve hours, such as:
- Sunshine and warmth
- A nice long walk outdoors
- Fun conversation with extended family via Skype
- Connection with family and friends via texts
- Encouragement from church leaders
- God’s guidance through Bible study and prayer
All of these moments of focusing on gratitude add up to help me get through the drawn-out days of restrictions at home. The common thread woven through this challenge is that I recognize—even more so—my daily need for God.
Acts 17:24 reminds us that God created this world and everything in it. He created me and my family members. He created you and your loved ones. He has a bigger plan than we know about right now. And He will help us through this very tough time as we fully trust in Him.