Facing Tough Realities: Pressing On - Part 3

Some people are sadly lacking in the desire to deal constructively with reality even when confronted with undeniable facts. Dealing constructively with reality often requires letting go of what is unattainable. This also applies to being rejected. Feelings of rejection can be difficult to manage in healthy ways.

Jesus wept over the people of Jerusalem when they refused to accept him. The people he would die for saw him as undesirable. Grieving is a choice and is God's way for managing rejection. Where does the ability and desire to grieve come from when we are forced to deal constructively with the harsh realities of life?

Using Jesus as our model for managing the reality of rejection, we find that he never lost sight of who he was or of his purpose. He was willing to see other choices for his immediate situation. It's important to have long-term goals for making healthy choices when change is required. Ask Christ Jesus to give you courage to press on toward what you know to be God's purpose for you.  

Facing Tough Realities: Pressing On - Part 2

Some realities of life seem impossible to accept. A common response is to deny their existence. Dealing constructively with reality requires admitting all is not well. A popular song put it this way, "I never promised you a rose garden." God does not promise us a life absent of problems and harsh realities.

However, believing life is manageable with God's help opens the door for healthy change. Power struggles most often center around denial of reality. For example, striving with others to change their behavior or personality creates an attitude of hopelessness. Only Christ Jesus can change a person, but he will do so only with their consent and submission.

Ask yourself, "What do I need to see and hear to make sure I'm facing God's crucial realities for my life?" Dealing constructively with whatever those realities happen to be and asking God to empower you to change are choices you can make. Permitting God to speak to you through his word and by spending time in prayer are reliable sources for help.  

Facing Tough Realities: Pressing On - Part 1

The facts of reality are not always easy to accept, but most individuals  eventually face what cannot be denied. The issue is learning how to deal constructively with reality, which is a basic principle for making choices for effective change in difficult situations. This applies to power struggles where   striving for dominance and control jeopardize a relationship.

Someone told me he finally realized the futility of fighting with his wife. A deeper hurt was the lack of closeness and loneliness they both experienced. Quarreling proved to be a "no win" situation as the main issue failed to be addressed. Getting bogged down in power struggles overlooks areas where there is compatibility for potential happiness.

Dealing constructively with reality requires making some tough choices. What appears impossible can become workable by accepting the positive attributes about a person or relationship. Being flexible enough for God to create an attitude of hope in you is a choice you can make. Hope that rests in Christ Jesus builds confidence for facing tough realities.