Fight or Flight...

As a child, I was much bolder than I am now. My mother tells me stories of how I was strong, independent and sometimes a little too bold for my own good. Her favorite story to remind me of was a time when I had done something that I was not supposed to and got caught. My mother proceeded to discipline me by smacking my hand. Being the bold, independent child that I was, I proceeded to smack her right back. Smart move? I think not.
Irregardless, of how "bold" I was, there were a lot of things that scared me as well, and as a child, when you come upon something that is scary one of first reactions is to run away. I guess this has a lot to do with that natural instinct known as "fight or flight".
Ah, the good old "fight or flight response". This was first described by Walter Cannon in 1929. The fact that I even know about this is proof, that I actually did learn something in Introductory Psychology. So, the basic concept of fight or flight, without getting into the technical details, is that when faced with a stressor or threat our body gets ready to either fight or flee.
Personally, when I face a threat, such as a rather large spider, I RUN. There are not many things that lead me to respond with the fight option, unless it is too late to run away... then I often flail as opposed to fighting... it's usually, get it away from me so that I can then run. I'm pretty much a big wimp.
While I talk of spiders and other things that are scary, it turns out a lot of times when I face trials and stress in my life, I also take the option of running. Instead of standing firm and facing stress and difficulty, I am quick to say, "no thanks" and run in the other direction if at all possible. I am an avoider of the fight. Lately, I've been facing some trouble and having been made aware of my deficiencies in the "fight" department, I have been struggling to stand firm and face the fight. In my mind, I would much rather quit than face this trial... I desperately want to RUN.
The thing is God has told us that there will be trouble in this life...

"...in this world you will have trouble." John 16:33

We've been warned that trouble is coming, but we are also given more than that as God gives us hope for He goes on to say in that verse...

"But take heart! I have overcome the world."

When we face trials we need to stand firm, knowing that God has already overcome the world. He warned us that there would be trouble, so we should be ready for it. We need to ready ourselves for the fight. God reminds that he is always with us to help us through the trials and troubles of life.

Deuteronomy 31:8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

And I would be remiss if I did not mention one of my favorite Bible verses. Found amidst a sea of trouble, a golden nugget of awesomeness...

The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him. - Nahum 1:7

Yes, trouble is coming, but the Lord is with us. Amen.
A friend has been reminding me of late, that I should consider is "pure joy" to face trials and has led me to James 1 for the reason why... James 1:2-6 says...

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought...

I think that pretty much speaks for itself... but basically, facing trials and having our faith tested develops perseverance. What is perseverance? Well, here's the dictionary's explanation.

per-se-ver-ance:
–noun
1. steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., esp. in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Basically it's the polar opposite of running in the other direction. Certainly something to think about.
So, as difficult as it is for me right now, I'm going to stand firm, I'm not going to run in the other direction, and with God's help, I am going to face this trouble.