Has there ever been a time in your Christian walk when you have just wanted to “get out”? I have heard people use the expression “Stop the world, I want to get off.” Do your burdens sometimes seem so heavy that they press you down, and no matter what you do or where you turn, everything seems to crumble around you? Does it seem that no matter how hard you try to do your best, things just get worse? What should we do when faced with these challenges?
Over the years, there have been times when individuals at difficult points in their experience have said, “Don’t tell me how to get out, just give me something to hold on to.” Perhaps you’ve felt that way at one time or another. I know I can relate.
What encouragement would you give someone who is in this position? The following are a few words of encouragement for you and me as we engage the enemy who is bent on destroying our faith.

• Look up and remember to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”—1 Peter 5:8. Scripture also exhorts us, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way”—James 1:2-4 (Message).

• Take some time to stop, pray, and let time pass, because in the passing of time comes clarity. Talk to God about what He wants you to do. He knew before you accepted Him in your life that this day, and many other days like this, would come. Take some time and “Be still, and know that I am God”—Psalm 46:10. In that experience you will hear Him say, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”—Matthew 11:28 (NLT).

• No matter what circumstances you encounter, hold on to God. Here are a few Scripture texts for you:

1. “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us”—Philippians 3:13, 14 (NLT).

2. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go”—Joshua 1:9 (NLT).

3. Do not be afraid! Don't be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God's”—2 Chronicles 20:15 (NLT).

There are battles taking place all around us—psychological, spiritual, emotional, physical, and social. To survive, we must choose to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus so that we do not become casualties of this war. We need to continually search the Scriptures and to remind ourselves of His precious promises to us, and claim them. Above all, remember that the battle is the Lord’s.
Jesus, the greatest teacher, is our perfect example, and He wants the best for us. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land”—Jeremiah 29:11-14 (NLT).

Ednor A. P. Davison is the editor of the Atlantic Union Gleaner and assistant to the president for communication in the Atlantic Union Conference.