It’s OK to Not Be OK

It’s OK to Not Be OK

It's OK to not be OK

The message I want to share with you today is very simple yet it seems very needed: It’s OK to not be OK. You have biblical permission to be not okay. You don’t believe me? That’s okay. But please do believe Jesus.

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.] (John 16:33, AMP,*)

Jesus did not promise smooth sailing for his friends and followers. He promised tribulation, distress, and suffering. And that’s we all have in one degree or another. Especially this year, right?

What to do then? First of all, do not be ashamed of your distress. You don’t need to hide your struggles. It’s OK to not be OK. As Robby Dawkings has said “Going through rough times does not mean God has turned His back on you. Rather, He is redemptive, which means He is taking those painful, hard things and turning them back onto the enemy by molding and perfecting you into the image of His Son.”

It’s OK to not be OK

So it’s OK to not be OK. But please do also know God has not turned his back on you and he won’t either. You can count on that. And he is at work in you and for you. Jesus has overcome the world, including your troubles, and he is in the business of renewal and redemption. Also in your life.

God still is in the miracle business. The old cross of Jesus is still wondrous and doing wonders. At the foot of the cross, the Holy Spirit restores us. Our need for grace is more than we know. But grace is always more than our needs. So let’s not keep away from the cross. We need its redemptive powers. Not just once in our lifetime but daily, sometimes momentarily.

So hang in there, my friend. Times are tough for sure. But we can make it. Not because we’d be so tough or capable but because our Savior has overcome the world and everything that ever ails us. That’s why we can continue boldly into the unknown future. Not because there wouldn’t be any tribulations waiting for us. But because Jesus is already there and he is going to go through them with us.

Dear God,
Thank you it’s ok to not be ok so we don’t have to fake happiness.
We come to you broken and exhausted, have mercy on us.
Thank you for your redemptive work in our lives.
We need you, pour out grace upon grace.
Help us, guide us, renew us.
Thanks for doing life with us.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

Q4U: Isn’t it great we’re allowed to feel not ok? God wants honesty and authenticity. He is ready to help and empower us when we come to him. So let’s do it!

Blessings to you, my fellow pilgrim, as you ask for God’s help!

Photo by christopher lemercier on Unsplash.

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