Do you feel you like the old mountain saying…”between a rock and a hard place”? Regardless of how we got there, there are times we must learn how to survive and thrive in difficult places in spite of the circumstances. I have often observed that there is a strength to be found in struggle…especially if we look at  it from the right perspective and learn how to adapt and adjust in the right way.Have you ever wondered how a plant, bush or tree can grow in a rock? I have seen this many times, while hiking in the mountains. A little soil and seed, colder and warmer weather, freezing and thawing and water, and the plant takes root in the crevices of the rock and begins the process to grow in spite of the difficult environment. Dr. B. Siege has stated that “if you watch how nature deals with adversity, continually renewing itself, you can’t help but learn.” Here are some things I have learned…

MAKE THE BEST OF WHAT YOU HAVE AND WHERE YOU ARE AT RIGHT NOW. The reality may be there is little you can actually do about your circumstances at the present time. If that is your situation, be encouraged that God is bigger than your circumstances.  Also, remind yourself that He is with you and will help you. I like what Max Lucado wrote in his book “You’ll Get Through This” … “You’ll get through this, it won’t be painless. It won’t be quick. In the meantime, don’t be foolish or naive. But don’t despair either. With God’s help, you will get through this.”

LOOK TO GOD, WHO CREATED YOU TO PROVIDE WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE IT. Plants and trees in the forest have no one else to look to but the Creator who made them, to meet their needs.We are different than the plants and trees, in that we have a choice. Sometimes we seek out bad options to help us to cope and survive which can actually harm us instead of helping us. Why not look to God, who created you and knows you better than anyone else, to help you survive  and thrive in spite of your circumstances? 

Jesus said ” If God gives so much attention the appearance of wildflowers- most of which are never seen- don’t you think That He will attend to you, take pride in you, do what is best for you?” ( Matthew 6: 30). God can do great things in our lives, even in the difficult situations…if we will look to Him.