Don’t think of challenges as too daunting, too big, as if a huge giant stands before you, so much so that you feel so overwhelmed and defeated before you even get started.

There will always be “things to do”! The never ending “to do list” that only seems to keep growing bigger and getting longer and longer. We all share in the same type tasks, may only differ per our individual circumstances. We may have plans and priorities for projects as we eagerly anticipate the process of completion.

We may have such projects that we’ve been meaning to get to, to catch up, been wanting to do, but somehow can’t find the time nor energy. We may have an extended list of “things to do” around the house, from cleaning up the joint, maybe cleaning out that messy closet or basement, updating the kitchen or bathroom, attempting and longing to become organized.

And though they may seem simple enough, as we think in heads that others can do it, so why can’t we… Why can’t I. Sure, they seem like huge projects and it could be overwhelming to even just think about, let alone do and accomplish, but when you take things one step at a time, chipping away one block at a time, pacing yourself, even counting or saying “ Okay, Next!” out loud, you then realize all that you can do, looking back at “all that you did do”; because ultimately you don’t have to rely on your own strength to do anything.

Our strength will give out if we try to do everything all alone, with a super hero mentality, because we are human, we get tired and fatigued and we all have something that drains us, especially if it’s a medical condition. It is okay to Not do everything. But we can learn to celebrate when we do something.

You may even feel like you can’t do this “particularly task” ___( you fill in the blank )anymore. Maybe you’ll feel like you’re too old, too stressed, too overburdened, too sore or in too much pain, too exhausted, too fatigued and/or too mentally challenged to be doing much if anything anymore.

You may speak these “momentary feelings”over your life, saying them to yourself over and over again that you start to believe them, giving you a false identity labeling you according to your ailments and feelings.

However, the best way to respond to your feelings and also your real life circumstances, is to look for your strength from another source, from Christ our Lord. Say, out loud so you can hear yourself with your new outlook on life, something like “ Okay God I need you. I need your strength to get up, to take this first step, to calm my mind, ease my anxiety and worries and concerns, to lessen my pain a little… or maybe a lot. God please bring me the help I need…and accept that help when it comes… mainly from other people. This is something that’s often overlooked as we turn down help from others while we’re waiting for some divine fireworks in the sky. Many times God works through people, so we need to be open to that. Yeah I here ya, saying or at least thinking that you’re kind of antisocial now. Trust me, I feel the same way. I’ve become so insular lately so I need to step out of my comfort zone and explore opportunities that are in reality Divine.

If I can do it, you can too! Because God will give you the rest you need as you rest in Him…place your trust in Jesus. He will give you peace and strength to keep going, to persevere. He will guide and direct your steps, to do what you need to, one step at a time, even though you may have had injuries, health issues, or other circumstances that may slow you down with concerns, aches, pains, fatigue and brain fog.

If you just start to think of one thing at a time, placing it in God’s hands, trusting and relying on, He will give you grace, perfectly sized especially for you, enough to help you through. Taking that one step, placing it in God’s hands, then the next step of starting the process of beginning to do what you are attempting to do, and just do it, will bring an accomplishment of “Wow, I did it!”

Soon you’ll realize, “Hey it wasn’t so bad!”Then you’re on your way, onto the next step and then the next and then the next. Just don’t overwhelm yourself with everything all at once! Instead just think of that one thing at a time.

It helps if you can have a master list of your “to do list” of things you want to do and accomplish, to refer back to from time to time. This way you can get that huge list off and out of your head and onto paper, or a phone notepad. It will relieve overloading stress and pressure in your brain, the kind that gives way to anxiety. You don’t have to live an overwhelmed life. You can choose to rest in Jesus and let Him help carry your burdens.

Remember, nothing is too big for God! We have a God that can make the impossible Possible!

On a practical note, once you start writing things down and you get past one, then two, then three things, you can take a look at how you’re feeling, and bask in the accomplishment no matter how small.

Even if you struggle doing anything at all, just getting up and moving into the next room can do wonders for you, so cross that off your master list and just pick one thing, write it down and if you can accomplish that on any given day, how about today, then you have made a true accomplishment! You will begin to realize that relying on the strength that only God can give, while He holds you up with his righteous right hand, giving you the strength, guidance and which road to take to begin, is what you truly need; what we all need.

The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you. — Psalm 32:8

It reminds us to Not worry about the path we’re on, the path that you’re on, about it being the right path, because God causes all things to work together for good, for those who love God for those who are called to His purpose —Roman’s 8:28… and He has purpose for you and your life.

Just trust God for your choices, what to do and if you made a poor choice, through God’s grace, let him pick you back up and guide you onto your next step. Know you can call on Him for help! Praise God because this is the day the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it psalm 118:24

And it is written I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me Philippians 4:13

So worship while you work. Play some uplifting music, praising God that you’re even able to do what you can do …whatever it may be, no matter how big or small. You’re not alone because you have a friend closer than a brother, the Lord Jesus, right by your side, holding you up with His righteous right hand.

In the Bible it is written, God’s Holy and True Spoken Word that has power when you speak it over your life and when you believe.

The Lord is my strength, and my defense has become my salvation. Exodus 15:2

God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:19

Fear not for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:10.

So go down to the river to pray, go down to the river and study about the good old ways, and who should wear the starry crown and who should wear the robe and gown?…saying good Lord, show me the way!

Jesus is the only way!

Jesus is the way, the truth and the life…life, everlasting. So with joy, shall you draw water out of the wells of salvation

C. Rae Johnson