What if I Can't Do This? | Therapy & Theology

This bonus episode of Therapy & Theology was recorded for the day you hit a hard spot and find yourself wondering, "Am I going to make it? What if I can't do this?"
Join Lysa TerKeurst; Licensed Professional Counselor, Jim Cress; and Proverbs 31 Ministries' Director of Theological Research, Dr. Joel Muddamalle, for the encouragement your heart needs when circumstances you're facing feel unmanageable, uncertain or out of control. Even if you just need a reminder today that you're not alone, this episode is for you.
Related Resources:
We know God has the power to take away all of our problems and pain on earth. But what do we do when He doesn’t? Join our next study on the book of Job, "When the Hurt Feels Hopeless: How God Meets Us in Our Pain Even When We Don’t Know the Answers." Together, we’ll find that God meets us in the middle of every question we’re asking with His love and perfect plan. And while He doesn’t always take our pain away, He promises to give us His comfort, peace and presence in it. Order your study guide today, and join us on June 12 in the free First 5 mobile app for additional daily teachings! www.p31bookstore.com/products...
Ready to take a personal next step in finding a Christian counselor? The American Association of Christian Counselors is a great place to find the right fit for you and your circumstances: www.aacc.net/.
How has the "Therapy & Theology" podcast helped you personally gain a fresh, biblical perspective for what you’re facing? Tell us about it by commenting below.

[@fayray9544]

Thank you for the practical suggestions when feeling overwhelmed: 1. Drink 4oz water 2. Wait 20 minutes (don’t make any decisions, have any conversations). That alone could spare us all of more trouble! 3. Go stand in the grass or earth and look up. “My world may feel like it’s falling apart but God, your world isn’t” Nice. 🌸

[@trishbech9082]

This is soooo incredibly timely… Thank You Lord! There is no doubt in my mind He was answering my prayer to encourage my heart as I heal emotionally, spiritually and physically. He never fails to shine His light in the darkest times. You all are such a blessing! ❤ Thank You for answering His call to service doing what each of you do, and for lovingly making this available to everyone. ❤

[@victoriarandazzo2462]

Lysa, your words were so inspirational to me. I have PTSD, depression and grief I am dealing with. I have felt broken and like my life is falling apart just like you said. When you said, maybe it’s falling together it just really inspired me to think that there’s something better awaiting me as God uses all things for good. I have just had a really hard time believing that good will come out of my situation because it has been so painful. Thank you so much! ❤️🙏🏻

[@sandranovakovich688]

I am listening to this for the second time. I need a refresher. Lord, I don’t want this to be my story. That statement is really powerful. I believe there are stages to go through. What is this? Is this for real? How can this be? This isn’t what I expected. I don’t want this to be my story. I must mourn my loss. I must accept. I must learn and grow. I will thrive.

[@marciehunt1263]

Wow, God is totally Sovereign. His timing is perfect. Thank you all for understanding and reminding us of God's great love. It means so much

[@daniellemitchem7048]

Thank you for using the Word to support everything you do. This has been the hardest season of my life and I’m so thankful for biblical perspective on these difficult days.

[@hannahszabunia]

i was searching and googling this AM. I finally came across this. i dont mean to come in and complain… i really need some prayer for my marriage.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Praying for you today, friend!

[@terryannefarner7922]

When our son, Christian (37), passed away unexpectedly from a brain aneurysm on June 22, 2023, I kept playing the Amy Grant song, "Better Than A Hallelujah " over and over. It brought me so much comfort through my sadness and tears.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Oh I'm so sorry, friend! We're praying for you today!

[@terryannefarner7922]

Thank you! Prayers and love are keeping us upright! God is Good!

[@cindymaricle2986]

What is the verses in Nehemiah that Jim Cress refers to? Please and thanks

[@yeannineme2653]

Nehemiah 2:18 Nehemiah 1:11

[@kishabethany]

"Sorrow is not comforted with "answers" " so deep

[@melanielucius6109]

I just read Day 14 in "Your Going to Make It" this morning. Thank you for your sensitivity to God's leading and for sharing your life experiences. I just finished reading "Good Boundaries and Goodbyes" 15 days ago. It was so profound for me and life changing. Now, doing the devotion morning and night is carrying me through. Really needed to hear everything you are sharing in your life journey. It is transforming me and my heart ❤️ Love and a really Big Hug, Melanie

[@yauchg]

What if it’s falling together. What a wonderful though to carry me through this tough time. Thank you

[@dawngrider6552]

God’s timing is perfect. Woke at midnight due to the pain of my broken leg, which required surgery, also a sprained ankle and injured knee. I read my email and boom this was at the top. What if I can’t do this? How long of a recovery is ahead of me? How do I stay productive during this time and keep my mind focused on God. I am a captive audience.

[@susiemccoy7]

God sees God knows God hears I love this. I like your tattoo...thy will be done!

[@hollyshields5665]

This was an amazing message and answered a lot of questions I had… it doesn’t change the circumstance or the hurt but at least I know that Jesus understands the depth of the pain and I can trust him to guide me through it. Thank you❤

[@Awakenministries]

I love therapy and theology. I especially love it when we can see your beautiful faces. Please keep making these they are so encouraging!

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@42clip]

Lysa, so good. This is one of the reasons why He came - to experience the brutality of life down here and model what to do. That whole part…. thank you.

[@sharmacampbell6342]

Thankyou for this valuable talk. I find it fitting too that the bottom of the foot is called the "sole/soul", and this is our point of connection to the earth🙏 🌎 💗

[@ItsabeautifullifewithJesus]

I was just thinking of that song "Thy Will". Genesis 16:13 God sees you.

[@abyingermany]

Hi! Finally, i found a channel that discusses dealing with doubts in a scientific and biblical way. Please continue! you are helping me and a lot of people 💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@christinamaxwell3421]

Ive felt & feeling exactly how Lysa described in her lonely bed...usedto me my safe place...until for last few years increase in dom abuse..mental emotional, psychological & all came to head when physical( but my medical records were " falsified) and injuries explained away as "an accident".now the fear in my heart,my room my home.....& the destruction in my marriage my little family and the testimony of Jesus destroyed...by a "Christian couple".but as it all behind closed doors & only towards me... no one believes me... so I envy those who have evidence, bruises, adultery, porn what ever it is that is the proof so that others will believe & support you.I have suffered much abuse, now I suffer abandonment, being alone & unbelieved...being avoided.. "the problem" .It hard to hold on & trust God I will make it.. I pray God rises on my behalf & shows clear proof & evidence...becos without even if we separate...im the one being blamed.

[@amandasturgeon90]

Another good resource is Leslie Vernick. Lysa Terkeurst and Leslie Vernick did an interview together.

[@danceballetacro]

Praying

[@christinamaxwell3421]

Thank you both

[@michellemock8699]

I have been there my sister in Christ. Hold tight to your faith cry out to El Roi! He hears you He sees you He loves you.

[@sarahm3614]

I know the feeling and many others do too.

[@melbeth79]

Thank you, I needed this.

[@Royalmik]

Thank you for these timely reminders❤

[@sandranovakovich688]

God bless you three with all His goodness. This video is so powerful it made me weep with thanksgiving. Thank you .

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

[@cherylynconlon8252]

Five months ago my 17yr old daughter broke her neck, I feel God has given us too much. There seems no end to this journey, we are losing hope.

[@cherylynconlon8252]

Living in zimbabwe adds to our anguish in this. I also listen to music to help us through this. She was our national gym champion and to see your child suffer like this just seems more than I can handle. I know God can heal her, but the waiting is agony.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Praying for healing and peace over your situation, friend!

[@renearosser1466]

I in a situation like this. Like Ive been given too much to bear. Never ending it seems. I will pray for you too.

[@crmom24worship2012]

Praying God continue to hold and carry you thru this trial!

[@bronwynsimons7028]

Wow. Lysa I feel you. Jesus ' please help me to get that You have been here for me this whole time. Even though I never felt it. I feel that I can't do this Although I'm still planning my exit from my covert narc Christian husband. But all of your encouragements make me see light at the end of this very dark scary tunnel. Thank you for biblical hope. PS I just found your channel today🎉 Although I have been subscribing to all kinds of exposing the narc secular channels with amazing counseling and advice... I do value Christian advice and encouragement more. I need to do this God's way. Because right now' I don't know what my next move should be...? Im so afraid and feel so alone. Cos nobody knows 😢

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Praying for you today, friend!

[@susanmaize7229]

This is such an important topic and I’m very grateful for these frank and honest and sound insights that are free of Christian platitudes. We have to remember that we are in a fallen world with an enemy who is constantly searching for ways to take us out. Sometimes getting to that place of being receptive to what God has for us is so hard because we feel all we can do is curl up in a ball, or try and tune out the pain with distractions or addictions. But he is real and he does care and he is powerful and personal as Lysa attested here. Try just to get a little quiet for a moment and ask him to simply minister to your heart. The answers to everything else will come eventually but it’s that conscious contact with our personal God that we so often need to experience first. This has been healing and profound for me more times than I can count.

[@leonalirangues3340]

Amen. I die with the Lord and will rise with Him.

[@yolandespringveldt3205]

I have been asking God "please show me what forgiveness looks like"? He used you to answer my prayer! Faithful, loving Father!

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

We're so glad this helped you!

[@madeleinejeremy434]

So beautiful ❤ Thank you

[@jilelam]

Sometimes I think that is the hardest part, "I'm going to make it"

[@jackelinecandelario4644]

Thank you for sharing this. It is helpful to know and be reminded that even Jesus had rough days where he even needed to draw strength from his heavenly father.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@lizzowilliams]

Thank you so much for this!

[@jessicaj8148]

Definitely need this

[@Lynn-wf3ys]

Thank you for that song 😢💔🙏

[@debbieolds]

LOVE that God is personal ♥️

[@anitaking2843]

Thank you

[@tonjahall4612]

I needed this today! Thank you❤

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

We're so glad this helped you!

[@wendykrugman8195]

Thank you so much for these words of encouragement !!!!

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@abetterlife5120]

Bless each of you for sharing what you’ve learned!! So grounding. Beautiful truth!

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@debstrunk892]

You trio do such a amazing job

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@feliciamcmanama1833]

Thank you so much 🙏🏾 I needed that word right now... Our god is so good. He's been so good to me today giving me words right when I need them and this was right on time. 💔🙏🏾🫂

[@Priceless16]

How do I believe and trust someone who didn’t experience what I experienced to get it?! Jesus does…he experienced what I’m going through

[@aussiebushhomestead3223]

Thank you all. This message was for me today. ❤

[@shinrin-yoku3877]

❤❤❤

[@kimberlyn.2096]

I needed this today. Please pray for me. I’ve had a lot of spiritual warfare and have felt a lot of depression lately and can not sleep. Thank you.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Praying for you today, friend!

[@sarahfigueiredo8813]

I feel you 😢 I’m sorry!! Praying for you!

[@arlenetecon1873]

Amazing work and encouragements you all three doing, ❤❤❤ so helpful. Thanks, no distance indeed, God so good! Appreciate

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thank you for watching!

[@debrashorts2301]

Thank you, thank you for these insightful Bible passages and messages that are helping me get through life's challenges. I look forward to removing my shoes and having my feet touch the ground again! We (my brothers and I) would do this after the rain had stopped. Our mother would let us go outside barefooted and walk on the wet pavement and grass, splashing in puddles wherever we saw them. It was such a healing, fun and freeing experience. God is the maker of heaven and earth and keeps the moon, stars, and sun all in place even when we feel at our lowest. Our God is still faithful even when we do not have the faith to go on. Because God is faithful and His promises are true gives us strength to keep moving forward in Him. My favorite verses are Isaiah 40:31, 41:10, and 13, and my life verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. May our Lord bless us with sufficient peace, mercy, and grace that compliments the race we run that has been set before us. Amen

[@sandranovakovich688]

Amen, Debra.

[@robinalbanese3117]

Can you please provide the passages in Nehemiah you spoke about. Thank you so much... I'm in a tough season with my beloved unbelieving husband of 49 years... You encouraged me today...

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Hi friend! They referenced Nehemiah 2. Praying for you today!

[@melnelly5918]

And add to that deep breathing as it lowers cortisol and reduces stress.

[@caracara011]

Thank you all! ❤

[@sharongrimelda712]

Do you have a message on how to deal with people/society in general when going through separation?

[@MeganHutchinson320]

Please send the poem to us!!!

[@sarahfigueiredo8813]

I needed to hear that 😢🙏🏻🙌🏻 Thank you.

[@renearosser1466]

The story of the Israelites always bothered me. Yes it says God saw their suffering. But waited hundreds of years. All those individuals who suffered without an answer. What if they were able to hear this message? Where would their Hope be? How can anyone of us know he will help us or leave us as those individuals were left ?

[@tal8762]

Is that book on the table by Dr Muddamalle something you use or refer to in these videos?

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Hi! The book next to Dr. Muddamalle is called, "Divorce and Remarriage in the Bible: The Social and Literary Context" by David Instone-Brewer. While Dr. Muddamalle doesn't mention it, he did use it for research purposes for this video.

[@tal8762]

@@OfficialProverbs31Ministries Thank you!

[@beautyroses8771]

11:30

[@aussiebushhomestead3223]

Please cover the marriage where there is no abuse or control, just total emotional deprivation, coldness to me and the kids yet he spends hours a day reading the Bible with no fruits of the Spirit. 33 years being denied any love. I have worked to be a good wife, cried out to God to take away my desire for affection so that I could cope. People around always thought we were a happy couple, uet I have been miserable. Last year one of our sons took his own life. My husband has offered no comfort to his family and has even said that he has moved forward! I am depressed and I am lonely. My kids have encouraged me to leave, but until I can know that God is giving me permission, how can I? If he was violent, abusive or unfaithful it would be easy, but he isn't. Can you offer some counsel please? Thank you so much.

[@redeemed4096]

I’m so sorry for your loss, and also your pain. 🙏🏼😢 Praying for God to show you His will for you. 💜

[@DrPhilGoode]

It’s your own definition of abuse that is preventing you from seeing things as they are. Abuse has many faces and comes in all shapes and sizes. Psychological abuse includes ‘emotional abuse’ and takes the form of threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, rejection, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, indifference, harassment, verbal abuse (including shouting or swearing), and isolation or withdrawal from services or support networks.

[@dnk4559]

I’m so sorry for your loss and for your predicament. The fact that your own children would want you to leave tells me there is more abuse than you may realize.

[@GodFearingPatriot]

I'm still lonely & nobody cares. 😞

[@ColinBurmingham]

I'm sorry you are hurting. Hang in there.

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Praying Matthew 10:29-31 over you right now! "Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."

[@kellyhughes5438]

No tats!

[@carlatownsend5211]

But God left His people in slavery for 400 years. Many people did not make it

[@cassjoyberry]

Thank you so much for this!!

[@OfficialProverbs31Ministries]

Thanks for watching!

[@anitaking2843]

Thank you