What do you do when you just do not want to do anything at all with your life, your gifts, or the calling God has placed on your life? I ask this question many times. I come up with the same answer. Serving God in the capacity He has deemed is not predicated by my feelings and actions. I must be ready to serve through the feelings of not wanting to do a thing. It is difficult, but I have come up with sure fire ways to assist us in pressing on.

1) Continue to pray to God and seek guidance. Many times we stop talking to the One who has the power to direct us. When we stop talking to God we set the stage and allow the enemy to place many stumbling blocks before us. Even through this time when we have to really dig in, God will give us the strength we need to preserver. It is His unfailing love that has placed us where we are today on the front lines of battle, prosperous, and loved. It is because of Him that we have made it through the tougher times or the enemy would have killed us long ago. In your time of difficulty talk to our Father so the weight you carry can be lifted.

2) Connect with a Spiritual Friend. Sometimes it seems we have too many friends to name, and other times we feel we are in Smallville with just the gas station and corner store. The truth is, it does not matter the number of people you have around you. What matters is that you have one good spiritual brother or sister that you are able to hook up with and become connected to. We are designed to hold up the hands of our brother and sister and do all we are able to pull them through. It is not about handing folks money all the time. Money does not always hold the answer. Being connected with a stronger brother or sister in the faith will allow God to move in other ways and through other people. He will give them a word just for you, to direct you and let you know He is near.

3) Continue to read the Bible daily. Often when we are in a press we stop reading His word. It is a trick of the enemy. The bible is the very foundation of our faith. If we are not building upon that foundation we create cracks and crevices in our foundations that evil little imps and devils can climb in through to make mischief. Each and every one of us knows the result of mischief. We have felt the pain of mischief. As we read the bible, we strengthen our foundation. We get words from the Father to fill in the holes and the cracks. We do not fall for the same nonsense and easy way out solutions. We do not let little evil imps direct our pathways. Reading the bible daily is a part of our main daily nutrients. Without reading the Bible we become weak. Even a scripture a day will keep dark clouds at bay.

4) Continue to go to Church. Do not back away from God and His people. Church was not created for the perfect. There was only one who walked in the way of perfection. Church was created to assist the hurt and confused, the depressed and oppressed. It was created to bring healing and restoration. Jesus Christ died for the redemption of your sins and mine. His blood sacrifice paid the required price and with it, the doors of church were opened. When we are tired, lonely, confused, broken, unsure, disappointed, and hurt, a good bible based church can make the difference. The Bible tells us that fellowshipping with our Christian brothers and sisters is important. There are support groups, activities, and mentoring to get involved with. Even when we are at our lowest, the time spent going to a weekly church service can be uplifting. God can speak to us through a song or a preached word. It makes me glad that He has placed many avenues for us to get support from Him.

Though the list could go on, these are the key items that have helped me through many difficult times. The list may be a lot longer or shorter depending on where you are in your life. Hold on to God in your darkest hour. We are not defined by what we do when we are in the limelight. We are not defined by surviving in the midst of joy and abundance. We are defined by what we do in our times of need; when we feel all hope is lost or we have reached the bottom of a painful abyss. It is during those times that God wants us to get closer to Him. In these days, He is keeping an eye on the faithful and is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.