I’ve Got Nothing!

The conversation usually goes like this: “OK. Here’s the situation we’re dealing with.” This statement is usually followed by a woeful recounting of negative circumstances, followed by the one-word question, “Solutions?” Then the painful realization sets in, “I’ve got nothing.”

This is the point where we usually hang our head in despair. In reality, this is the point when we should look up! We are in the perfect position for a miracle. But how do we move from circumstantial despair to unswerving faith?

Step 1: Look Up!
You can’t see what’s ahead of you with you head hanging down. Psalm 121:1-2 encourages you, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills—From whence comes my help? My help comes from the LORD, Who made heaven and earth.” Take a look at the vastness of the world around you. Stare into space and contemplate the size of the universe. Then remember the maker of all of it declares himself to be your “refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble,” Psalm 46:1

Step 2: Stop trying to fix it.
It can’t be totally in God’s hands unless you release it from your control. 1 Peter 5:7 reminds us to give each individual problem to Him in full. “Casting ALL your care (singular) on Him, for He cares for you.” (Emphasis added.) Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) The invitation is specifically to those who are working hard to carry the load. Give the burden to Him. He will trade you His rest. What a deal!

Step 3: Expect the unexpected.
God wisdom is so much higher than ours. Don’t expect Him to complete your plan of action or work your ideas into His solution. He promises, “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, WHICH YOU DO NOT KNOW.” (Emphasis added.) After all, your ideas weren’t getting you too far anyway, so stop looking for God to do it your way. The creator will surprise you with His creativity. Isaiah 35:3-7 declares, “Strengthen the weak hands, And make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, With the recompense of God; He will come and save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, And the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, And the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, And streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, And the thirsty land springs of water;” Bottom line: God will do the unexplained in unexpected places. Wow!

Step 4: Change Your Wardrobe!
The editor of the College Fashion website writes, “The colors we choose to surround ourselves affect us more than we think. As a society, we associate colors with so many different things – they have meanings beyond simple visual stimulation. Some studies even suggest that we feel colors more than we see them.” Who knew that what you put on could so profoundly affect your outlook? God did. That’s why He proclaims that an encounter with the anointing of the Savior results in a internal wardrobe change in our attitude. He comes “to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” (Isaiah 61:3a) We must purposefully dust off the ashes of mourning and despair, and robe ourselves in the beauty of gladness and praise!

When we’ve got nothing, He still owns everything. He can turn aggravations into answers and unsavory circumstances into solutions. Lift up your head, your answer in nearer now than ever.

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