Feeling desperate is not something I enjoy. It is that feeling that you would do anything to change your current circumstances. Sometimes that making that change is uncomfortable but doable. Sometimes making the change feels like climbing Everest.
My friends daughter was finishing her shift at work when she realized that her keys were missing and most likely in a dumpster outside the restaurant. Desperate to get her keys back she and her manager jumped in and started digging. They dug through bags of nasty, smelly, slimy garbage until her manager yelled that he found them. That was doable desperation.
Everest desperation is the kind of desperation that drives us to our knees. Sobriety, a devastating disease, seemingly endless mental health struggles all feel like insurmountable circumstances. These are the exact circumstances where God loves to show off.
Why would you ever complain, O Jacob, or, whine, Israel, saying, “God has lost track of me. He doesn’t care what happens to me”? Don’t you know anything? Haven’t you been listening? God doesn’t come and go. God lasts. He’s Creator of all you can see or imagine. He doesn’t get tired out, doesn’t pause to catch his breath. And he knows everything, inside and out. He energizes those who get tired, gives fresh strength to dropouts. For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles, They run and don’t get tired, they walk and don’t lag behind. (Isaiah 40:29-31 MSG).
God has met me in my most desperate moments. My son needing heart surgery and working through childhood molestation are two that are foremost in my mind. God assured me I wasn’t alone. God assured me that I would get through it.
In the dark of night, when there is nothing left to lose, God shows up. God transforms my outlook and gives me strength to take the next step. It is not easy. It is hardest work I do. Each day I have more love for myself and others. Each day I am a better person just by taking one step at a time.
What do you do when you are desperate? Do you call out to God? Are you willing to take the hard first step? Share your story here and breathe life and bring hope to others.