Have you ever had one of those weeks (or months) where all the “small stuff” seems determined to push you right over the edge? I’m just finishing my third week of battling a problem I never thought I’d have to mention publicly: fleas. Our 12-year-old dog picked them up, and suddenly they were everywhere—in the house, on my mind, in my prayers. It’s honestly been a real test of patience, perspective, and grace.
When Fleas Don’t Feel “Light and Momentary”
This trial has felt exhausting. Some days, managing it all has seemed nearly impossible. On the one hand, yes, it’s a “light and momentary affliction,” especially compared to the serious tragedies unfolding in Texas recently, with devastating floods and heartbreaking loss of life, including children at summer camp. Grieving alongside those families puts a lot in perspective.
On the other hand, this problem has sometimes felt endless, as anyone who has dealt with fleas can probably imagine! It’s the first time in my life I’ve actually looked forward to winter.
Is It “Just Life”… or Something More?
There were days I wondered if this was a spiritual attack, especially since both my husband and I are seeking God’s direction for business, ministry, and our family’s next steps. But I was reminded—thinking of the book of Job—nothing happens in our lives outside God’s control. If He allows adversity, He intends some purpose through it.
Adversity Exposes and Refines
There’s nothing like adversity to show you where you need refinement and growth. My husband and I have responded to this “small” crisis in different ways, and, to be honest, not always with grace toward each other. We’ve walked through some valleys these last few weeks. Real life has a way of making the theories I discuss—mindset, reframing, and grace—painfully practical.
Your mindset really does set the tone for how you respond to adversity. Your expectations, the way you frame the situation—those shape your experience. Yet, even something seemingly “small” as a flea infestation can make you feel overwhelmed. I have been there many times over the past few weeks.
Anchored by Scripture
But God has been gracious. When I’m feeling low, He always seems to provide just the right scripture during my morning devotion time. These verses have shifted my perspective and helped me get my eyes back on Him:
“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ~2 Corinthians 4:16-18
This verse brings me back to an eternal mindset. But, I’ll be honest, sometimes even after drawing encouragement from God’s Word, I turn around and—there are more fleas. Or my husband and I have another moment of frustration. I need that redirect back to the Lord daily, sometimes moment by moment.
Another verse that has stayed with me is John 16:33:
“In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus warned us that trouble is part of life. Why are we surprised when it comes? He doesn’t leave us in trouble. He tells us to take heart because He has overcome!
Why Foundation Matters
That’s why I emphasize the importance of a faith foundation, cultivating our relationship with God through regular time in His Word and prayer. If we don’t anchor ourselves in Christ, we miss the comfort, wisdom, and redirection He longs to give us when adversity hits.
Honestly, this flea battle has significantly disrupted our daily routines, thrown off what I want to focus on, and shown me (again) how much I need God’s steadying hand—and grace — for myself and my family.
When the Troubles Run Deeper
Of course, some seasons are much heavier than unwanted insects. The recent floods in Texas—especially the loss of young lives—have been on my mind and heart throughout these weeks. That kind of tragedy reminds me that, as much as the “light and momentary” passage applies in the big picture of eternity, pain and grief are very real in the here and now.
That’s why the practice of lament is so essential. Lament is a way God gives us to process grief with Him. The book Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy has been a huge encouragement for me and is something I recommend often for anyone in a season of loss or heartbreak. Lament lets us feel, process, and pray as we bring our raw and honest emotions before the Lord.
From Fleas to Faith: Responding With Perspective
Even minor frustrations can stir up anxiety or aggravate depression. I’ve been reminded these last few weeks how vital it is to process adversity through faith, to redirect negative thinking, and to remember this truth:
This, too, shall pass.
This is a temporary struggle, even if it lasts far longer than I’d like!
I’ll be diving deeper into anxiety and depression from a holistic faith perspective soon. But for now, if you’re struggling—whether with “small” troubles or heavy burdens—you need to know: You are not alone.
Let’s Encourage One Another
Have you had a season where something “small” felt huge in the moment? Or are you walking through a deeper trial or a significant loss? How has faith shaped your response?
I’d love to hear from you here or in the comments. And if you’d like prayer, drop a note—I’d be honored to pray for you.
In this world, we will have trouble. But Jesus is with us. We can lament, we can hope, and we can trust He is at work—even in the mess.
Thank you for reading and being part of this community! Let’s continue to encourage and pray for one another, doing our best and trusting God with the rest.
