It’s important to recognize that everyone experiences difficult seasona in their lives, and it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes. It’s important to acknowledge and accept our emotions, rather than suppressing them or pretending everything is fine. By doing so, we can take steps to address our issues and work towards feeling better. Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can also be helpful. Remember, it’s okay to not be okay, and it’s okay to ask for help when we need it.
The Apostle Paul, illustrated this often neglected principle when he tells of a man who was caught up to the third heaven and saw and heard indescribable things. This man was remarkably privileged, and it seems apparent in the context that Paul is talking about himself. He adds that, because of the greatness of the revelations he was given, he was also given a thorn in his flesh that would keep him from exalting himself (2 Corinthians 12:7). While Paul tells us very little about the nature of this “thorn” (what he also refers to as a messenger from Satan), he makes clear that its purpose was to help ensure his humility. Paul pleaded with God three times to remove the encumbrance and God repeatedly said no to Paul’s requests. God’s response to Paul is found in 2 Corinthians 12:9—“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Sometimes God uses our difficulties to bring us to the point of humility, submission, and contentment. However, this is where and when God deposits His perfecting power! Hence my point, it’s ok not to be ok because God’s power is at work in every uncomfortable and difficult season.
Additionally and lastly, Paul illustrated this same concept in Philippians 4:11–13. He explained that he had learned how to be content in any circumstance no matter how severe. During seasons of incredible highs and also defeating lows, Paul discovered that contentment doesn’t come from circumstances—contentment comes from recognizing that we can do whatever God intends for us to do through Christ who strengthens us. God is so gracious to provide strength (power) when it is needed so that we can find our identity, our confidence, humility, and our contentment in Him. This is what God meant when He said that His grace is sufficient—it is all we need.
4GIVEN 