From Helpless to Empowered

I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, life just keeps knocking you down?

Maybe you’ve faced rejection, hardship, or injustice, and after a while, discouragement settles in. What’s the point of trying? Nothing ever changes. When you think this way, we call it having a victim mindset and it may be more about exhaustion than weakness. When you’ve tried and failed, it can feel like you have no choices left. Miguel felt that way. He worked hard, but every time he applied for a better job, he was turned down. Each rejection reinforced his belief that nothing would ever change. Slowly, discouragement stole his motivation. He stopped trying because hope felt too painful to hold onto.

A follower of Jesus named Paul knew hardship, too. He was beaten and imprisoned multiple times because of his faith. It would have been easy to give up. But instead, Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13) He wasn’t superhuman. He was just as tired and discouraged as we are sometimes. But Paul focused his thoughts on God’s love and power at work even in struggles.

If you’re feeling stuck today, don’t try to fix everything at once. Start with something small. Gratitude is one of the most powerful ways to break free from discouragement. Begin noticing what’s right. What has God given you? What strengths, relationships, and opportunities do you have?

Here’s a simple exercise: When a negative thought comes, ask, “Is this 100% true?” If not, replace it. Instead of “Nothing ever changes,” say, “I can take one small step forward with God’s help.”

God hasn’t abandoned you. You are not powerless. He wants to work in and through you. What would change if you started believing that?