I got a really bad boo-boo on the side of my thumb a while back. It hurt a lot when it happened and looked a little gross. But after the initial shock went away it was mostly just sore. That is until it gently bumped something while I was walking, or I tried to tie my shoe, or I was typing a lot. Do you know how often your thumb taps the phone in your pocket while you’re walking? I didn’t either, then it started stinging every time it happened.
There are things in our lives that don’t matter at all until they suddenly matter a lot. There are things that we are perfectly fine ignoring until they show up and demand our attention. When we are faced with these things our natural instinct might be to try and ignore it even harder, but too often this leads to a problem becoming worse rather than going away.
As followers of Christ, we should be ready to confront the discomfort in our lives because we know that we don’t need to face it alone. God is with you. Your community is with you. It is rarely easy. It is rarely simple. And it may take all that is within you to seek out the help you need, but the help is available.
Ephesians 6:10-13 tells us, “10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
God has a plan to protect you, whether you are fighting against the problems of this world, or the problems in your own heart. We just need to stand strong and courageous, trusting in the promises of God.