How do you confront those brutal facts? Whatever your problem, consider these questions:
- What do I know about my problem? What do I need to find out?
- What outside elements (people, resources, etc.) are contributing to my problem?
- What have I done myself to contribute to the problem?
- Are there elements in my biology, family history or past personal experiences that make me more vulnerable?
- What psychological and spiritual vulnerabilities do I have? What strengths do I have in these areas?
- What resources do I have available? What resources can I access?
That’s half of the equation. But it’s not the end.
2. Develop and maintain faith in the outcome.
Admiral Stockdale maintained faith in the eventual outcome—that the U.S. army would eventually prevail, and he and his fellow prisoners-of-war would be released. When that would happen, and whether any one of them would personally live to experience that, was uncertain. We too can have absolute faith in the outcome of the war in which we live.
That outcome comes in two phases.
First, we can experience real and lasting victory here and now. Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mark 1:15
Jesus’ life, death and resurrection gained that victory for us. We can experience and walk in that victory here and now. That means there is always hope whatever your circumstances:
- Your finances, health or marriage can get better
- You can make it through sickness, grief, betrayal or any other loss
- Pain does not have to break you; it can make you stronger
And second, this whole sinful messed-up world will be replaced by a glorious one when Jesus returns.
However good this life can get—or not get—it’s not enough. Thankfully, we can know with much more certainty than Admiral Stockdale ever had what the final outcome of this conflict will be. Death, sin, Satan and everything evil will be forever destroyed.
The End of the Story
This war will not go on forever. We know how the story ends.
And the end of the story is—Jesus wins!
In the meantime, don’t be afraid to confront the truth of your circumstances.
And hold on to faith in the eventual outcome of what God has for you.
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Rom. 8:18
Dr. Carol Peters-Tanksley is both a board certified OB-Gyn physician and an ordained Doctor of Ministry. As an author and speaker, she loves helping people discover the Fully Alive kind of life that Jesus came to bring us. Visit her website at drcarolministries.com.
