Posted on: 26th March 2026

When you are in a struggle, when dark clouds hover, when disappointment or betrayal meet you unexpectedly, what is the best way to respond? Here are three things to always remember.

Don’t give in.
We are not to give in to the things the enemy wants to use to bring us into defeat. His scheme is to have us focus the eyes of our faith upon the darkness of the cloud
that has appeared over us, rather than focusing upon the glory of His light that shines over us and above it all.

Don’t give up.
Don’t give up on life. There is hope. It is not all over. What has happened is a chapter in your story, but it is not the final chapter. If people are directly involved in
the problem, do not give up on them. Forgive. Pray for everyone involved. Speak blessings over their lives as it is a good thing to desire God’s best for every life.

Do give the matter to the Lord.
He knows what has happened. He knows your heart, and he knows exactly what to do. God can make a way, open a door, build a bridge, restore a loss, heal a wound
or renew a relationship. Let Him work. Waite. God still changes hearts.

As St Peter says: ‘So humble yourself under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honour. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He
cares about you. Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to eat. Stand firm against him, and be
strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are. In His kindness God
called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support and strengthen you on a firm
foundation. All power to Him for ever. Amen!’ 1 Peter 5: 6-11.

Rev. Dr. Joseph D Cortis
Leeds Cathedral.