When Enough Is Finally Enough

Why is it that most of us wait until life breaks us down to the core before we finally change?

Why do we put it off until the pain becomes unbearable? Most people don’t grow, confess, or admit their need for help until they are sufficiently disturbed. Even then, some still refuse.

I was talking with a very smart man, a PhD, who told me, “If it ever got bad enough, I’d take an 80-cent bullet and take care of it.” What?!

It’s interesting, as much as this person had it together, they had the money, the toys, the hobbies - and a drinking problem. And Lonliness and unhappiness.

What was interesting, they had not changed. They believed that lie involves hunting for the next thing that makes you happy and fulfilled - yet, always coming up short.

I suppose they were not sufficiently disturbed yet.

Why is it that so many feel they have to fight their darkest battles all alone? Why not call for help? Why not confess when the weight is too much to carry? I think maybe pride, shame, and fear often keep us silent.

King David knew what it was like to feel overwhelmed. If you read his Pslams, you hear a lot about his pain and sadness.

Listen to his words: “Lord, don’t correct me when you are angry. Don’t punish me when you are furious. My guilt has overwhelmed me; like a load it weighs me down. I confess my guilt; I am troubled by my sin. Lord, don’t leave me; my God, don’t go away. Quickly come and help me, my Lord and Savior” (Psalm 38:1, 4, 18, 21-22 NCV).

What I like about King David is that he didn’t try to bury it. He would cry out to God - sometimes complain and be angry. He admitted his weakness and pain to God. That’s the best start.

God’s words tell us to “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen” (James 5:16 NCV).

Healing begins when you speak it out and let others carry the burden with you. The question is: Are you sufficiently disturbed yet? The time leading up to sufficient disturbance can be years and the pain just never goes away.

The Apostle Paul said, “By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 NCV). You were never designed to carry your mountain by yourself. The wolves attack the isolated. Satan works the same way.

And Jesus promised, “Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NCV). His arms are always open - as well as the those who follow him.

I know sounds so cliche’ - “just give it to God”. But what else are you going to do? You have to share it with someone. You have to ask for help. You need help.

So let me ask you: “What’s close to sufficiently disturbing you? Your weight? Your secret addiction? Your loneliness? The lack of purpose? A broken relationship? The job you dread? The endless mess around you?

Why wait until it all collapses? Sometimes waiting too long makes the climb even harder - or even too late. I remember my dad had blood in his stool for over a year and told no one - he died of colon cancer - it was too late.

So do this. Try to find a trusted friend. Confess what you’re carrying. Seek counsel. Pray. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you. Don’t believe the lie that you have to fix it on your own.

Mountain climbers never climb alone. They tie themselves to others for safety, strength, and encouragement. Tie yourself to someone today. Don’t climb your mountain alone. Make the call - consider getting help.

GOD, never let me isolate. Help me be accountable. Help me help others. Holy Spirit, help my friends and family. Please help my new PhD friend. So many need help - and thank you for helping me. IJNIP amen ♥️