When There Are No Good Options

Some days, I wake up, look at the choices in front of me, and think:
“There are no good options here.”

Have you ever felt that way? Faced with decisions that range from unpleasant, to bad, to worse?

Thankfully, those kinds of situations are rare—but they do come. For me, and probably for you too.

When I feel boxed in like that, I remember an old saying:

“When you’re at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”

It sounds simple, even cliché—but there’s truth in it. God often calls us to patience while He works out the details of our lives.

When I Wanted to Give Up

I remember a time when I accepted a ministry position that felt like walking into a storm.
There was no money. Bills were piling up. The people were discouraged. And confidence in my leadership was practically nonexistent.

For a while, I flailed like an animal caught in a trap. Every morning, I dreaded the day ahead. The temptation to walk away was constant.

But in my heart, I knew God had called me there. So I stayed. And waited. And waited.

Eventually, He began to work—in me and around me.
He opened new doors.
He provided resources.
And He taught me another deep lesson in faith.

“Help Us… If You Can.”

There’s a powerful story in the Gospel of Mark about a father in crisis.

His son was suffering from violent seizures. He brings the boy to Jesus’ disciples—but they can’t help him.

When Jesus arrives, He’s clearly frustrated with the disciples’ lack of faith. Then He says:

“Bring the boy to me.” (Mark 9:19, NLT)

The father pleads:

“The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.”
(Mark 9:22, NLT)

Jesus replies:

“‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
(Mark 9:23, NLT)

Why the Delay?

Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t just heal the boy immediately?

Why draw it out? The text doesn’t give us a direct answer.

But I think many of us can relate to the father in that moment. I imagine him thinking:
“Please—just fix this now!”

Instead, Jesus gives him a choice. Will he walk away, offended and disappointed? Or will he hold on and trust?

The father’s reply is one of the most honest and beautiful prayers in all of Scripture:

“I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
(Mark 9:24, NLT)

Faith Is Not the Absence of Doubt

I’ve prayed that same prayer—many times.

“Lord, help me hang on—through the storms, through the fear, through the doubts.”

Faith isn’t the absence of doubt.
It’s the choice to trust God in spite of doubt.

Even Abraham, the so-called “father of the faithful,” had moments of wavering. He made impulsive decisions when faith faltered.

But over the course of his life, we see a man who remained committed to God’s purposes.

Abraham Held On Too

Here’s how the writer of Hebrews describes Abraham’s journey:

“It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going…”
(Hebrews 11:8, NLT)

He left everything familiar—without a clear destination.
He waited years for a promised son.
And even then, he lived in tents—temporary housing—while still trusting God.

Do you think he ever doubted?
The Bible says he did.

So how can we still call him “faithful”?

Because in the middle of his doubt, he tied a knot in the rope and held on.

Hang On

If you're struggling today, hang on.

Here’s a word from the Word.
Let it strengthen your heart as you pray:

“Lord, I believe. Help me with my doubts.”

“So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”
(Hebrews 10:35–36, NLT)

“For in just a little while, the Coming One will come and not delay. And My righteous ones will live by faith. But I will take no pleasure in anyone who turns away.”
(Hebrews 10:37–38, NLT)

Final Thought

Whatever you’re facing today—no matter how dark or uncertain—it’s not the end of your story.
Tie a knot. Hang on. And trust the One who holds the rope.

 

Video of this blog  
https://www.youtube.com/@Jerscott55