Maybe you’re dealing with a difficult health diagnosis, the loss of a loved one, or financial burden. In this talk, Levi Lusko teaches that even in seasons of spiraling, storms, and struggle, God is near, developing us and weaving beauty out of the brokenness.
Key Takeaway
Even in seasons of spiraling, storms, and struggle, God is near, developing you, and weaving beauty out of the brokenness.
The great mechanic of your soul has a plan, and He has good plans for you even in the suffering and the trials.
What's your "wobble" or struggle right now?
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."
Matthew 5:3-12
Blessed are the spiraling.
Could it be that when you're spiraling, you're more capable of receiving and walking out of God's blessing than any other time in your life?
It's a tornado filled with wildflowers—something that could destroy you, that's made out of something beautiful.
Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
Matthew 10:39
When we go through hardship, we don't feel fortunate.
When we're faced with cancer diagnoses, financial burden, or the potential of divorce lingering, we don't feel lucky. But scripture like James tells us to consider it joy when you face trials.
So, what should we hold onto to remind us that these hard moments of life can actually be a blessing?
1. God is near.
He is omnipresent, yet He can come near. (Psalm 34:18)
When your life is in chaos and crisis and you're crushed with grief or loss, you're more capable of experiencing the benefits of His presence.
2. God is developing you.
Often, we have to run smack into a wall to go to the next level of development.
You're going to get through this. It's hard and it's messy, but it's important.
Transitions are hard, and you have permission to feel scared, even if it's a blessing. Sometimes blessings and burdens can carry the same weight.
In our spiraling, we can:
1. Right-size
2. Reorient
3. Return
We can enter a new season with a new strategy.
Read 1 Peter 4:12-13.
Do you have enough faith to believe that glory is just around the corner?
You're lucky to face this.
Storms are classified based on the damage they do. What you're saying is terrible — we won't actually know until the storm passes. We must trust Him in faith that He knows what He's doing and will put your spiral into work for your good.
Here are six takeaways:
1. Stick to the plan.
We doubt in the darkest moments. Now is not the time to make big decisions. Keep rowing in the storm and deal with the issue.
Don't doubt in the shade what God told you in the sunshine.
Don't make long-term decisions temporarily — you cannot trust yourself.
2. Peel away the extra.
Peel away things that are attached to your identity that aren't the truths of scripture.
Everything not attached to eternity is not safe to build your life on.
3. Interpret your struggle accurately.
We do not need to make things a catastrophe.
In chaos, we feel that chaos is worse than it actually is. We need to enlist the counsel of wise friends.
We have never been here before. Show yourself compassion.
4. Retool for the current and coming season.
Read Proverbs 20:29.
God's glory is in your future, not just your past.
5. Attack the problem from all angles.
Assess your pace and commitments.
6. Look for beauty.
Your soul needs beauty. When you feel like you're in a deep pit, look at nature.
It may feel like everything is out of control, but God is in control.
Discussion Questions
- What is the “wobble” or struggle you are currently facing in your life?
- How does knowing God has good plans even in suffering change your perspective?
- What does it mean to you that you might be more capable of receiving God’s blessing when you’re spiraling?
- Why is it important to “stick to the plan” during a difficult season?
- What are some things in your life that you may need to “peel away” because they aren’t tied to eternity?
- How can interpreting your struggle accurately help you respond better to trials?
- What new strategies or tools might God be inviting you to adopt for this season?
- How does beauty (in nature, art, or simple joys) help anchor your soul during chaos?
- When has God shown you His nearness most clearly in a hard time?
- How can you trust that glory is around the corner, even if you can’t see it yet?
Scripture References
