Can't catch a break

[Steve W.]

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you.

 

I try to focus on the positive things in life. But lately it seems like everyday theres something negative happening that tries to disrupt my peace.

 

Its been like this for at least a year and a half now.

 

I worked 2 jobs. But I quit 1 of them 5 months ago, to free up more time, so I can do more spiritually.

 

Since I quit that job, these random negative things seemed to have intensified.

 

I try to be spiritually strong. Doing my best to keep a good spiritual routine, while managing everyday life in general.

 

But it just seems really overwhelming sometimes.

 

I know many of us are facing different trials as Satan's system draws closer to it's end.

 

I just wanted to post how I've been feeling lately, and see if anyone else can relate? Or want to share your experiences?

 

Or if anyone has some advice/ encouragement?

[jwhess]

Things get to us in different levels.  Last Saturday, my granddaughter was visiting for the weekend (she is 15).  We decided to go out in the field ministry on Saturday and she made arrangements with my other granddaughter (who is in my congregation) for us to join their family.  When I drove over to the Kingdom Hall, I noticed that the windshield wiper was not clearing my windshield on the driver's side.  I thought it had a seed or leaf particle stuck und the blade.

 

When we made car groups, one older Spanish-speaking brother was left out of a car group.  So my Son-In-Law said, "We have a van so he can come with us".  We had to stop at their house and when we pulled into their driveway, he tried to put the window down and the mechanism broke.  We also discovered that the wiper blade was damaged.  So we decided to take our extra publisher back to the KH.  He said he had 3 or 4 calls he wanted to make (they are Spanish).  So we dropped him off, Picked up my daughters car (which holds 4) and took me back home.  We tried to tape the window up but it wouldn't hold.

 

So the 4 of them left me at home to do letter writing and they all went out together in the rain.  Then I called and tried to get an appointment to have the window fixed and the earliest they can do it is next Monday (24th).  Tomorrow My wife and I take the lead in cart witnessing but there is a 90% chance of rain and the high temperature is going to be 45 degrees (F) in the afternoon.  It will be just above freezing in the morning during our shift.

 

So despite our best efforts, time and unforeseen events overtake us all...🙂

Edited 12 hours ago by jwhess

[Lance]

Well that phrase seems “ I can’t seem to catch a break”…. Seems to be a common sentiment today. I was talking to a close friend who just went through SKE.. They have been assigned to a small town, they have to rent out their condo at below what their mortgage payment is. The only place they can find to rent is a small basement suite with not even a stove. Work will be a challenge in a small town….

 

The expression conveys exhaustion, frustration, and the sense that circumstances are unfairly stacked against him.

So basically he doesn’t feel that he is being blessed. 
So we discussed what were some of the needs that he has been looking for in awhile…not the external ones were people notice you.. but what you really need.

Breaks do come….sometimes not in circumstances, but in the form of inner peace (Philippians 4:7).

7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.

 

 

So when someone says “I can’t seem to catch a break,” they’re expressing the fatigue of constant setbacks.

But it can also be an opening for encouragement … reminding them that while external breaks may be rare, internal and spiritual breaks (peace, resilience, hope) are always available.

Think of life as climbing a steep hill. Saying “I can’t catch a break” is like noticing there’s no flat spot to rest.

But spiritually, prayer and friends can become those resting places…even if the hill itself doesn’t flatten right away.

 

In my friends case moving to a small town will force him to slow down..which he needs. No dragons to slay .. no major issues… maybe even a bit boring. 

The small town has many mature ones who have served Jehovah through many trials .. he needs some role models.

 

So how should we face the seemingly unfairness.. of life

When facing unfairness.. 4 tools

 

1)Name it honestly: “This feels unfair.”
2)Anchor it spiritually: “But Jehovah sees, and He provides inner peace.”
3)Seek role models: “Others have endured similar trials…I can learn from them.”
4)Reframe the meaning: “This is not punishment, but preparation.”

 

So, the way to face unfairness isn’t to deny it or minimize it, but to reframe it as part of the refining process. That way, even when external breaks don’t come, the internal breaks….peace, resilience, hope…become the true blessings.

 

I think of the Apostle Paul the King of “not catching a break” … how many ship wrecks.. how many beatings .. on and on ..

 

So, Paul’s perspective was not “I can’t catch a break,” but rather:

 

Phil 4:12-13

12 I know how to be low on provisions and how to have an abundance. In everything and in all circumstances I have learned the secret of both how to be full and how to hunger, both how to have an abundance and how to do without.

13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.

Edited 10 hours ago by Lance

[Dustparticle]

3 hours ago, Steve W. said:

Hello everyone. I hope all is well with you.

 

I try to focus on the positive things in life. But lately it seems like everyday theres something negative happening that tries to disrupt my peace.

 

Its been like this for at least a year and a half now.

 

I worked 2 jobs. But I quit 1 of them 5 months ago, to free up more time, so I can do more spiritually.

 

Since I quit that job, these random negative things seemed to have intensified.

 

I try to be spiritually strong. Doing my best to keep a good spiritual routine, while managing everyday life in general.

 

But it just seems really overwhelming sometimes.

 

I know many of us are facing different trials as Satan's system draws closer to it's end.

 

I just wanted to post how I've been feeling lately, and see if anyone else can relate? Or want to share your experiences?

 

Or if anyone has some advice/ encouragement?

 

 Right now you having a break of posting this and that is fine. One way or another, we face a difficult times. If you not working today, just go out in the ministry. It might soothe you. Even just one hour out can mean a lot of deference. Jehovah understands what you are going through and we all love you too. 
 

  Do not forget that Jehovah provide us with may gifts and that is his son, bible,  ministry, bible base publications, and organization. The world does not   have these because they choose to ignore it. Later on today the new Watchtower (February 2026) should be in line with new info on P&S from Questions  from Readers. Take time to look at this with your bible too. 
 

 At times a spiritual break is what we need and Jehovah knows you need it my brother. Get your good night sleep and have a blessed day too.

Edited 9 hours ago by Dustparticle