Stand Firm

Do you ever feel like Sisyphus? In Greek mythology, he is condemned to push a rock up a hill, only to see it roll back to the bottom. It is a meaningless task. I have felt this way many times. I wonder if all the effort I put into ministering others is meaningless. My husband or children don't react to a situation the way I believe they should leading to disappointment. I show up to work feeling great, only to have a coworker or obstacle rain on my parade. Most Sundays, I leave my preschool class dripping with sweat. The growth groups I lead, occasionally have weeks of low attendance. Inevitably, I get discouraged. In my discouragement, I reconsider my commitment to these things. 

It is normal to have these attacks of discouragement. How we react to them is crucial. Imagine Sisyphus again...Zeus' wrath over his attempt to cheat death condemned him to his futility. What if he sees himself as a victim, refusing to take responsibility for his decision to try to cheat death? What if he stops, sits down and refuses to move the rock? I envision Zeus creating a situation where Sisyphus would long for the days of pushing the rock up the hill. Now, visualize Sisyphus reflecting on his circumstance and knowing that his efforts are not futile. He is given the knowledge that his story will be remembered for thousands of years. Would he have a smile on his face pushing the rock? After losing his grip, the rock rolls down to the bottom. He skips back down the hill, whistling a tune. Sisyphus is happy!

The problem is that Sisyphus may not know. We will not always be able to see the impact we have or in our discouragement, we might lose sight of it. One day last fall, my friend's mom died unexpectedly. I remember feeling like I just didn't want to have to deal with it. I recollect wanting to isolate myself. I recall wishing I didn't have the wisdom of how to counsel those in grief. I lost confidence in that ability and questioned my purpose. It was self destructive. Luckily, I sought counsel and I was reminded of the impact I had already made. My counselor called attention to the possibility that I was intentionally being brought down by an evil force and encouraged me to embrace my role. Later that night, I received a call from my friend. I had to choose whether I was going to ignore the call or accept my mission and answer. It wasn't easy, but I answered.

If you are discouraged, my hope is that you will rejoice and stand firm during your struggle. If necessary, seek reassurance that your life isn't futile. History, mythology and the Bible are filled with stories of people who overcome adversity to accomplish great things. Like Sisyphus, they were probably never aware of their significance. You have a choice whether you will allow your discouragement to lead to destruction or if you will overcome it and climb the mountain happily with a song on your lips. At the top, you will rejoice in the view.