What do you think the disciples thought as they saw Jesus – their teacher, their leader, the man they had walked life with, saw perform miracles… beaten beyond recognition and hanging from the cross?
Maybe hopeless, afraid, anxious, defeated…? In scripture faith, hope, and love go together. When we encounter negative/painful situations we have two choices, even thought there are times that it doesn’t always feel that way. The rush of emotions can leave us feeling hopeless like the disciples did, but we’re called to change our perspective and to Trust what we’ve seen, heard and believe. We are called to walk what we believe every day and in all circumstances. But how?!
A Different View
When the disciples saw Jesus dead they didn’t know how to frame the situation through the lenses of God’s promises. They probably experienced intense fear and an uncertain future, however, for us, we look back at the cross and see Gods beautiful purpose in that pain – to redeem and restore. For us the price Jesus paid for a relationship with each of us is the most beautiful thing in the world!
In the same way, when we are in the middle of what seems to be a hopeless situation – we can look to the cross with anchored hope because we know God is in control, He is working all things out according to His rich Mercy! If we keep our hearts right with a constant renewal of our minds – taking our focus off the problem and look outward and upward to the hand and Word of God, pray continuously, and trust fully – We’ll see Him working on delivering us, teaching us, growing us, maturing us… Fear, worry, and anxiety have no place when we see the love that surrounds us.
Health Impact
So, besides having peace in the midst of difficulty, why is it important to have anchored faith, hope, and love. Because our Heavenly Father has created us so beautifully! He wants a relationship with us, for us to abide in Him and count on Him for everything, but he also doesn’t want us to be sick, tired, burnt-out, or have disease. So when He tells us to be anxious for nothing, to cast our cares on Him because He cares for us…. It’s for our emotional and physical health too!!!
The adrenal glands are responsible for the level of adrenaline released into our bodies in response to the hypothalamus and pituitary glands perception of our situation. (our hypothalamus, pituitary gland and kidneys work together to respond to situations)
When we perceive a situation negatively our adrenaline increases – which is a great design if we’re being attacked – but it effects our bodies negatively when we live in that state continuously. High levels of stress hormones in the body cause inflammation, weight gain, chronic fatigue, irritability, and often can lead to cancers.
But, if we look to the character and promises of God – if we pray, ask and seek for His hand – Knowing that He has a treasure for us in the moment – our kidney’s respond by releasing chemicals that support problem solving – allowing the peace and joy hormones to release into our bodies so that we can overcome what ever it is we’re facing. Instead of the alternative of fear and hopelessness. So amazingly cool right!!?!?!!
This way of choosing and living isn’t easy, it’s simple but it takes work – hard work of renewing our minds and meditating on God’s truth and not meditating on our circumstances. He always Has a plan and a purpose for what we go through – one to grow us, mature us, teach us and strengthen our relationship with Him.
A Peace filled, joy filled, love filled life – is found in your perspective! Circumstance vs God – God wins every time!
The Female Athlete Life Coach 