What To Do When You Are At The End Of Your Rope

-Recognize you’re a lost cause to solve the problem on your own. We follow our brilliant plans, but end up at the end of our rope much to our surprise. Sometimes no matter how hard we try we can't change a situation and it just pushes us to a breaking point.

-Look for the Lord. Sometimes we have to say, “Lord, I messed up. I need Your help.” Often it is the failure of our strength and wisdom that is the very thing that turns our attention back to God’s strength and wisdom.

-Listen. God can give us His guidance through His Word, our prayers, and words of encouragement and direction from other mature believers.

-Let go. Here’s where it gets tough. The world says that when you’re at the end of your rope you need to tie a knot and hang on/God here says we need to let go. What do I mean by letting go? What I mean is that so much of the wisdom of God is not “logical” in the traditional sense/it requires a step of faith. It's like;

a. I’m dealing with financial difficulties and the logical response is to use as much as money as I’ve got to deal with the problems. God’s wisdom says that I need to start by honoring God with a tithe with a step of faith - you’ve got to let go and trust God.

b. I’m incredibly busy and have got too much to do. The logical response would be to work on time management techniques and utilize technology to maximize the effectiveness of my time. God’s wisdom says that I need to start by making plenty of time to be alone with God in prayer. Again it’s a step of faith - you’ve got to let go and trust God.

c. I’ve got someone who’s backstabbed me at work and the natural response is to work up ways to make them look bad and look for opportunities to impugn their character in front of others. God’s wisdom says that I need to forgive my enemy and do good to them. Once again it’s a step of faith - you’ve got to let go and trust God.

-Don’t lower your expectations. In a tight spot, we often begin to expect the bare minimum from God rather than asking for and desiring a powerful move of God. God will remind us that even though we're in a tight spot, the solution is still a “simple matter” for Him to solve.

-Live. When we let go based on God’s promises, we can know that He’s going to answer. You may be in a dark valley because of the mistakes and bad decisions you’ve made, but know that God’s answer is coming in the morning and be blessed. God is still in control!