Can God Overwhelm being Overwhelmed?

The biggest mistake people make when we're overwhelmed is focusing on the problem. We don't look to God. We put our eyes on the problem instead of God.  We try quoting passages to ourselves like 1 Cor.10:13 "No temptation has taken you but [what is] common to man; but God [is] faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation also will make a way to escape, so that you may be able to bear [it]." Yet, if we're honest we'll admit that when we're overwhelmed that quoting bible passages sometimes doesn't work.  When you ask many people, “How are you doing?” they say, “I'm doing OK — under the circumstances.” What are you doing under the circumstances? Who put you there? Why don't you get on top of the circumstances? Circumstances are like the mattress on your bed. Get on top of them, and you'll rest easy. Get underneath them, and you're going to suffocate, and that is where many feel that they are sometimes.

You can't be discouraged and focus on God at the same time. If you turn to God first, talk to him about your problem, and trust him to help you, God will respond. Remember what He told Judah and Jehoshaphat, “And he said, Listen, all Judah, and you people of Jerusalem, and king Jehoshaphat! So says the LORD to you, Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude. For the battle [is] not yours, but God's." (2 Chr.20:15 ).  Perhaps this is why we fail so many times, because we're trying to fight battles that belong to God. We try really hard and give it our best shot, yet, inevitably we fail and we're disappointed in ourselves and we come back with our tail between our legs and say, “God, I'm so sorry. I've really let you down." You don't earn God's pleasure or approval.

What does God want you to do if He does not  want you to fight in the battle? 

What are you supposed to do when you’re facing an overwhelming situation?

Two words: “Stand strong.” This is an attitude of quiet confidence. Not backing up or away, but not getting ahead of God either. You're going to stay put and watch God’s will unfold before your eyes. Ex.14:13,14  And Moses said to the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."  It is never God’s will for you to run from a difficult situation. He wants you to learn that He is sufficient in every situation. 2Cor.12:9  But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Do you want to overcome being overwhelmed? Then stand on two things: the character of God, that He will never leave you or forsake you, and the Word of God to reassure you that as God has stood with those in the past, He will stand with you today.

What has been your focus lately? Has it kept you from turning to God for help with whatever difficult situation you are facing? Consider letting God’s will unfold before you today, and quit trying to fight a battle that God has already won.

Jim