The strength and state of your mind as you go through different seasons in life are important. It determines your perception and reaction to issues. For instance, by equipping your mind with the knowledge of God’s will and ways, you tend to overcome challenges that overwhelm others
Romans 12:2 (ESV)says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” When you understand God’s ways through his word, you will know when He allows a disaster to happen, not to destroy you, but to refine you.
The bible teaches that sometimes God allows us to pass through trouble. But He preserves us no matter what we face. Isaiah 43:2 (ERV) says, “When you have troubles, I am with you. When you cross rivers, you will not be hurt. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not hurt you. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Notice that God didn’t say, “I will bring you out of trouble.” Yes, there are other Scriptures in which God says He will deliver you in times of trouble. But here, God says He will be with you. Why? Because sometimes God uses unfavorable circumstances to refine and test you. So, it’s necessary to have this mindset and not sink into depression whenever the going gets tough.
In her book, “HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION,” Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv. wrote, “In all this, you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your Faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)
Being put to the test enables you to have stronger faith in God’s wisdom and faithfulness. Also, your pain period can be used as an instrument to equip you to help others. If you have never gone through anything painful, you will never relate to hurting people in need of hope. Therefore, your pain periods enable you to become a living, hope-filled resource that will encourage others in their dark days of grief, pain, depression, despair, and anxiety. God is not limited by what you are going through. He wants you to go through it for good and His glory. All you have to do is seek His face in understanding why you are going through this and what you should do. This is not the time to turn away from God but the time to remember God’s promises and renew your mind with His Word.”
Do you want to learn more about how to overcome depression and live a life full of laughter and fulfillment? Then get this life-transforming book, HEALING YOUR DEPRESSION by Apostle L’Tanya C. Perry, MDiv.