Everyday we are faced with challenges, some greater than others. It doesn’t matter who you are, where you live or what your circumstances are…you will face challenges.
Throughout my life I have been faced with many that have been debilitating, heart breaking and soul shattering, but no matter how bad things were I was always able to make it through.
For many years I thought it was my will to survive, stubbornness or just good fortune that would help me make it through the difficult times. Let me tell you…none of these is the case.
Anyone that has know me for at least 5 years knows the struggles that I have faced…mostly work and money related. 10 years you get a greater understanding. The few that have known me longer than that no how deep it goes.
Through all of this there has been one constant…not a close friend, not a dedicated family member, but someone much more important…Jesus. OK there I said it. I know it, I believe it…through everything Jesus has been walking by my side. When I have stumbled, taken missteps, fallen down, dragged around, kicked in the mud…you name it Jesus has been there.
Conversely on my highest days, when I have accomplished little and great things…guess what? Jesus has been there too. When I have doubted HE is there. When I have praised and gave thanks HE is there. No matter what HE has always been there.
Why am I sharing this? Because I know many people who are down, feeling lost, wanting to give up…asking “Why is this happening to me?” I have been there, more times than I care to remember. Remember one thing…Jesus is there waiting for you, but HE will not open the door for you…you have to do it yourself.
Everyday I still live with challenges…struggles with work, struggles with money, struggles with family…but no matter what happens, I cannot get down on myself, get angry or be filled with doubt. I have to put my focus on Christ Jesus…that HE is there for me…but I need to reach out to him in the good times and the bad.
2009 has been one of the most difficult that I have faced. Fighting to save a job early in the year, while trying to figure out how to stretch every penny. Losing that job in the spring and trying to figure out what the next step is. Waiting for week after week for unemployment benefits to kick in, praying that we would be OK. Wondering why no one will interview me for a job, despite dozens upon dozens of resumes sent out. Finally having a job offered that I love, but struggling to make sales, find new clients and make money.
Sound like a familiar story?? I am not asking for sympathy because I know there are many others worse off than me and my family. I am thankful every single day for the job I have, the house we live in, the clothes we wear, the van I drive, the food we eat…for our health and safety.
I tell this story as a reminder to myself that I need to continue to push forward with the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ…to continue to walk by faith and not by sight…to continue to battle forward no matter what the enemy may place in front of me to deter me, to slow me down. Also I do this to encourage those of you that have lost hope, are feeling more downs than ups.
The only one that can hold you down is YOU…no one else. Turn your attitude into one of a winner and no one or nothing can stop you…but friends, you must walk with faith, grace and mercy. We can make our own decisions, chose the direction we go, but we do not ultimately have total control. Our paths have been laid out for us, our destination chosen and each chapter of our unique stories have been written, long ago.
The author…The Father…the creator of all things…GOD.
If you do not agree…I am sorry for that. If I have offended you…I do now apologize for this is my belief…in my mind, heart and soul.
Walk in faith, walk in the light…continue to move forward.
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1 comment:
amen, brother!
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