Raise your hand if you’ve ever been at your wits end. I see you in my mind right now with your hand up because, let’s face it, we’ve all been there! Whether it’s regarding your job, your finances, your kids, or whatever, the simple fact is that at some point in our lives we feel like throwing in the towel…and yet, we take pause (wisely) to wait for the voice of God to guide us through our suffering.

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1

If we do the right thing and wait on God’s good counsel re: when to quit on a situation that is causing us persistent pain and suffering, what is implied? Well, minimally, until that time it means we must endure sans doubt because anything that God intends for us is good, by definition (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

Patience precedes deliverance. If you forgo the prior, you preclude the latter.

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
- Romans 12:12

So, when you’re at your wits end, you essentially have two options: quit or press on in faith. Can you guess which is designed to bring glory to God?

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
- Galatians 6:8-10

When you’re down and out and can’t see a way out, focus on others. Instead of being turned inward and self-absorbed (easy to do when you’re in pain, I know), turn outward and look for ways to be like Jesus Christ, who suffered unimaginable pain but found joy bursting forth (Hebrews 12:2) from a heart focused on others (Philippians 2:1-7; Luke 23:34).

Grit is the hallmark of every child of God.

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
- Ephesians 4:1-6

I’m sure by now a part of you is saying, “Oh yeah, my friend, all this sounds good on paper, but it’s easier said than done. You don’t know the hell I go through every day!” I’m sure I don’t; but you don’t know mine, either. But I do know this from Holy Scripture, that you have strengths that I don’t, and I have some that you don’t, so together we complement each other in a way that makes us cumulatively stronger (Ecclesiastes 4:12)! God designed it this way.

Instead of insisting God deliver you from your suffering, maybe it’d be wiser to accept it and look for ways to help others in their own predicaments. If enough of us do that, we’re all better for it. Pssst – stop isolating yourself on an island of despair while waiting for God to deliver you. That’s not godly patience; that’s a self-imposed prison sentence. You can wait on God while serving others.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;

fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices! Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the LORD shall inherit the land. In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there.

But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
- Psalm 37:7-11

God promises to deliver you when the time is right, on His terms. He may never remove the thorn from your flesh (ala 2 Corinthians 12:8) until the day you die (think of Jesus on the Cross for a moment), but that doesn’t mean He won’t bless you for showing grit.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
- Philippians 4:4-8

Deliverance is but a change of perspective away, my friend. Enough is enough when God says it is. In the interim, seek faith and wisdom. Pray not just for yourself and your own deliverance, but for others.

When you’ve hit rock bottom and looking up only heightens your despair, look to your left and to your right for good company. You’re not alone. Extend a helping hand and see how God elevates the both of you.

Love in Christ,

Ed Collins