Think about these people and what they are going through. It will sober you up quick.

By Shawn A. Akers

Recently, my family and I have been beset by financial problems. Major car repairs, house repairs and braces for both of our children. The bills have piled up.

Our retirement nest egg has dwindled by a significant amount, and in these uncertain times,  that has become cause for major concern.

Yet through all of this, God has found a way to make me realize a very sobering fact. No matter what we are going through, our struggles cannot stack up to the plights of so many others around the world right now, including those who stand up for the sake of the gospel.  Our troubles simply cannot compare.

• Pastor Andrew Brunson has languished in a Turkish prison for more than a year and a half simply because of his faith. He faces a life sentence and has become a political pawn in a chess game between the Turkish government and the United States. I cannot imagine what the anguish he and his family have endured.
• Asia Bibi, a Christian convert from Islam, has spent seven years in a Pakistani prison and remains on death row for giving a Muslim coworker a cup of water while they worked in the fields. The grief her husband and two daughters face every day must be agonizing.
• And what about Pakistani Christians who are constantly murdered because of their faith and for turning away from Islam? Pakistani Christians are holding true to their faith despite the persecution. Their dedication to Jesus is much more than what most of us can fathom.
• Many American families have children that have been diagnosed with fatal diseases. Every day, parents heart-wrenchingly watch their children fight for their lives.
• What about those who have nothing to eat on a daily basis–in this country and worldwide?

Those are only a few examples. Again, our struggles cannot compare to theirs. It’s not even close.

When are going to wake up and realized how blessed we are? When am I going to REALLY be grateful to God for what he has blessed my family and I with?

I do not minimize what we are experiencing, and certainly our financial woes put a great deal of stress on our family. I certainly do not minimize the tribulations of other American families and the extent of their circumstances.

When are going to wake up and realized how blessed we are? When am I going to REALLY be grateful to God for what he has blessed my family and I with?

Do you often find yourself complaining to God about your hardships? It’s OK because God forgives, but is it really THAT bad?

There is no way of getting around it. In America, we are spoiled and we don’t realize just how good we have it. The sooner we all realize this and the more grateful we are, the more good we can do for the kingdom.

Take your mind off your own troubles today and think about what you can do—if only to pray—for those who really need your help. I would love to pray with you about your trials and tribulations. Please let me know how I can.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased” (Heb. 13:16)

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4)

Remember to do something today to rise up higher in your kingdom calling.

Step Out of the Boat is a ministry created by Charisma Media Content Development Editor Shawn A. Akers and dedicated to help Christ followers to become spiritual champions and come to a more intimate relationship with Jesus. With its articles, podcasts and other forms of media, Step Out of the Boat encourages Christ followers to daily reach to a higher level in their calling. Shawn is a 35-year veteran sportswriter, a published poet and he published a story about Dale Earnhardt in NASCAR Chicken Soup for the Soul. You can read his blog here. You can also listen to his podcasts, the Javelin Sports Show, on the Charisma Podcast Network.