Everyone in my family knows that I can’t swim. I simply put my feet in the water. As long as I am in the shallow part, I am fine.
However, I was on a study abroad experience with my host family from Costa Rica. We were enjoying one of the beautiful beaches there. I was totally content with the sand in between my toes, the warmth of the sunrays, and sitting down and enjoying the sights and sounds of the area. My host family waved for me to come into the water with them. I timidly stayed where the water only covered my knees. However, my host family continued to motion for me to walk further out with them. The current of the water grew stronger the further out into the body of water I walked. It went from my knees to my waist, and finally to my chest area. I nervously smiled, as I attempted to enjoy the companionship of my host family. Suddenly, I lost my footing as a wave came crashing over me. I panicked, gasping for air, wiping water from my face, and desperately fleeing for safety. I made it to the shore never to wander out into the deep again.
Life can be the same way. One moment, you are basking in the sunrays of success, and another moment waves of problems are heading your way. You are overwhelmed, whether it is finances, relationships, health issues, or the loss of a loved one. Perhaps you may be able to handle one circumstance, but what do you do when there are two or three issues? It’s a little harder to gasp for air and wonder when you will get a sense of relief from it all.

3 Key Things to Remember When Undergoing a Series of Hardships
1. Your problems are temporary
All problems tend to have a start and an expiration period. If you look at your life in seasons, it may be easier to understand. Fall and winter may reflect the difficult times in your life but remember that spring and summer will follow with new growth and opportunities. There is an old proverbial quote that simply says, “There is a time and season for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Remember that another season of hope is coming your way.
2. You have choices
Perspective is everything! Keep an open view of your life, even when it is difficult to understand. The moment you stop believing you have choices; is the moment you lose hope that anything can change.
3. Endurance is necessary
Life is not for the faint-hearted. It requires courage and endurance to face the unknown. The key to endurance is simply taking one day at a time. Simply put, “Don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34).

About The Author
Krystalyn Davis is a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years of clinical experience. Krystalyn has worked in several nonprofit sectors providing services for community centers, healthcare agencies, higher education institutions, and the military. Her latest endeavor is the development of The Family Life Project which is an online resource center for families. It is a program that aims at meeting the practical, emotional, and spiritual needs of families in crisis. She can be contacted at familylifeproj@gmail.com.