A few months back, I asked for prayers for an intention, which I knew would require a miracle - or at least slow development before the worst. Today, it seems things are getting worse, and tonight - I’m out of my mind. I’m not angry with God at all. But I don’t how to handle a situation which will (figuratively) cripple me the rest of my life. Please - some solid, not ethereal answers - how do you handle it - when God says “no”? Out of my mind tonight.
I’m so sorry you are dealing with this. Since I don’t know the specifics of your crisis, I’ll try and speak in generalities.
I have found that the best course of action (when the hoped-for OBVIOUS miracle doesn’t pan out) is to gather information. Most folks are gripped with fear, anxiety and depression when they feel out of control or uncertain about the future. Some things, of course, we can’t know but other things like physical conditions, mental issues, financial problems, family problems, addictions, etc., can all be mitigated in intensity when we have information at our fingertips.
I recently got laid off. I’ve spent the last three weeks putting together a business plan and preparing to present it for a grant. Through research and info gathering, I was able to stave off the panic of having no income (except for unemployment). And of course, I continue to pray.
Mom is about to be diagnosed with Alzheimers. We knew she had it even while she denied, denied, denied. In the last few months, my sisters and I have compiled folders of info so that we can be prepared for any outcome. And of course, I continue to pray.
My sister was just diagnosed with leukemia. For the last three weeks I’ve been gathering information for her to take to the doctors and insurance companies. While she is still understandably distraught, she is much less anxious about the future because she is armed with information. And of course, we all continue to pray for her.
Fear, anxiety, panic, and depression often result from a feeling of helplessness. If you can gain information and insight into whatever your particular crisis is, you may feel God’s presence at work more palpably in your life. And of course, always continue to pray for His guidance.
Dear God, grant me the wisdom to surrender to and accept Your Divine Will. Transform all the bad things that happen to me and those around me into opportunties for the greater good and help me to see eventually these goods. Give me the strength to persevere in my suffering and to bear it in You and with You, as You beared the cross. Help me to grow in love from everything that happens in my life. Your Loving Child.