Seasons of Hardship: Live the Jesus WaySample

When Your Situation Feels Impossible: Lift Your Gaze

It’s inevitable. At some point in your faith, life, and leadership journey, you’ll face something that feels too big, too overwhelming, too impossible. Too hard... too costly... too heavy... insert your own “too” here.

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Whether it’s a personal challenge, a global issue like poverty or human trafficking, or simply the daily pressures of life, it’s easy to wonder: Can I really make it through? Is my life making any difference?

Dave, the CEO of an anti-human trafficking organization, asked himself similar questions. The responsibility on his shoulders was enormous, and the weight of the role often felt crushing. But instead of letting fear and doubt stall his vision, Dave chose to take a bold step, a reminder that the impossible can become possible. He signed up for the gruelling challenge of a 103km ultra-marathon.

Reflecting on his experience, Dave shared:

“That run had moments of intense pain, and there were times when my whole body wanted to give up. I fought with my mind and body for hours as they gave me every reason to quit.”

Yet the higher he climbed those mountains, the more his perspective began to shift. With every step, hope replaced despair, and finishing the race reminded him that his efforts, both on the trail and in his mission against trafficking, truly could make a difference.

The same is true for us. Sometimes what feels impossible isn’t as much about the obstacle itself as it is about the perspective we bring to it. When we shift our gaze, we start to see hope on the horizon.

Let’s Get Practical

What if, instead of being stuck in the “too’s”—too hard, too big, too long, too heavy—you asked yourself one simple question:

“In this situation, if Love were a person, what would Love do?”

When you choose to see things from a higher perspective, you realign your leadership, adjust your focus, and ignite your purpose. The impossible begins to move toward possible, even in the places where you’ve placed things in your “too hard” basket.

Questions for Reflection

• What feels impossible in your world right now?
• Where do you need to climb higher and shift your perspective?
• What’s one thing you could do this week to get out of your own head and see from a wider point of view?
  

Takeaway for Today

The world changes when we live for others. Let your leadership be known not just by what you say, but by how you serve. Lift your gaze. Choose selflessness. Shift your perspective. Because, as Dave reminds us, we will live in the world we create.

Bible Reading
1 John 3:16-18
Philippians 2:3–5
Romans 12:9–13

Action Step
When you begin to feel overwhelmed, do something outside your normal routine this week, something that stretches you or gives you a new angle. Let it lift your gaze and help you see solutions you might have missed before.