Tempted to Stop

“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. 13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.”   1 Cor. 10:12-13

“The biggest human temptation is to settle for too little.”   -  Thomas Merton

     Congratulations!  You’ve done what many know they need but not everybody does... you’ve made time for God today.  Each time you feel the nudge to check out the devotional page here on Facebook... I’m sure you think of many other things you could be doing.  We all know it’s good for us, but sometimes we forget or get sidetracked.  It’s a commitment.  A sacrifice of time and energy.... and you’re worth it.  But all is not easy.  When we dive in to growing in Christ, the enemy ups his attempts to make us quit.  

     That’s where you will face perhaps the biggest foe that has ever challenged you: temptation.  There will be many many things in the coming months and years that will do their best to throw you off your commitment to study God’s word and grow.  In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul writes about those very things.  He says that the temptations we face, while common to everyone, are not unbeatable.  In fact, he says that God will “not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand.”  I love that!  No matter what temptation the enemy throws our way to stop.. God will give us “a way out so that [we] can endure”  The devil puts up stop signs, detours, and red lights... and Jesus reminds us that we have His GPS.  He simply re-routes us around the obstacles and keeps us on the road to our God-potential.  

      So the question is... what tempts you to quit?  Does it seem like there’s no hope?  Are you struggling to think you’re worthy enough for God to use you?  Have you tried this type of thing before but think there’s no way you’ll stay with it?  I have some encouragement for you.  We’ve all felt that way from time to time.  Today’s verse tells us that when we have these feelings, God will give us the wisdom, the strength, and the nudge to keep going and escape the temptation.  He wants us to persevere because He loves us so very much.  I’ll be praying that when you feel tempted to stop...or believe what others say about you... or doubt that you can do it... or hear the limiting lies of the devil... that you would remember that you aren’t alone.  God is with you and your Potential Church family is on the journey alongside you.  Let’s go after this together! 

Possible

Today I bet that there’s something in your life that you have ruled out as impossible.  Can’t happen.  it would take a miracle.  

If that’s you, I have good news.  Nothing is impossible to God.  Nothing.   

That marriage that seems like there’s no hope.  Recovery is possible.  The low bank balance.  Replenishment is possible.  An uncontrollable teenager… a demanding boss… a medical setback?   All solvable.  All doable.  All possible through the One who promises that He will never leave nor forsake us.  (Deut. 31:8)

When we have no more stamina… He carries us.

When we are out of answers… He assures us that He has all that we’ll need. 

When the world tells us we’re nothing… He reminds us that we are more than just something.   We’re a masterpiece.   

His arms are strong enough for our heaviest burdens.

In 1 Peter 5, we read about God’s “mighty” hand!    No matter where we find ourselves today... God’s hand will be big enough.  He’ll cradle us with it when it hurts. He’ll provide for our needs with it.  We can grab it when we’re nervous and it will be there to protect us if need be.  

Today, don’t live limited by what you can carry in your own hand... give it to Him... He is more than strong enough. 

Why Are We Here?

In a Charlie Brown cartoon strip Lucy asks, "Why do you think we're put on earth, Charlie Brown?" Charlie replies, "To make others happy." Lucy says, "I don't think I'm making anyone very happy . . . Of course, nobody's making me very happy either." Then in the final panel, Lucy screams at the top of her lungs, "Hey, somebody's not doing his job!"

Have you ever wondered why we’re put on earth?  Is it Lucy’s reason?  Are others meant to serve us?  Are we meant to always be happy?

No.  God never promises consistent happiness... in fact, He tells us that we will struggle at times:  John 16:33 “ Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows... “

So why are we here?  To endure life?  To simply get through our days?  

Absolutely not.  Life is much sweeter than that!  Charlie Brown had it right... the reason we exist is for others.  It’s why we breathe and it’s why we’ve been given the gifts that we have.  Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 12:7, “A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” 

He further tells us in Galatians: “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  

Can you imagine a selfless world?  People getting up in the morning just to remind those they do life with that they matter... 

To bring hope to the hopeless...

To mend instead of rip...

To forgive the undeserving...

To provide for someone knowing they could never return the favor...

To make others happy... 

Seem unfair?  Why should we be the ones taking care of others?  What if nobody takes care of us or makes us happy? 

That’s not the mission or the goal.  We aren’t here to always be happy with things... we’re here to be more like Jesus Christ. We’re here to bring Him glory.  We’re here to share His good news.  We’re here to praise Him in the good things and the bad.  We’re here to represent Him to those that don’t know Him.  We’re here to rescue those God puts in our path.  We’re here to love Him without reservation... and we’re here to love those He created even when we don’t agree with them or feel like doing so.  

And when we do these things... God (and He alone) will give us a joy that circumstance can’t take away and people’s opinions can’t tarnish.   The secret to happiness isn’t so secret... 

It all starts with a priority list that has God at the top... others next... and ourselves a distant but blessed third.  

Not Done

I've said it many times on the weekends... God isn’t done with you yet.

As Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “If you’re not dead... you’re not done.”

Whatever your past... whatever you see in the mirror... whatever the world has defined you to be....

God sees something greater.

He’s created you for something that only you can do.

Have you forgotten what your smile looks like? What hope feels like? What God’s truth for your life is?

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

This is reality.

Take a closer look at yourself. Not broken you. Not addicted you. Not desperate you. Not financially struggling you.

You. Perfected in the love of Christ. Old life gone... new life begun.

Take today. Tuesday. Start over. Start thinking of yourself differently... you aren’t perfect... you’ve made some mistakes... but you are valuable and important in God’s plan for this planet.

Christ came for you.

Christ died for you.

Christ is here for you today.

And as these truths come into focus... as this new picture develops... crumple up the other one. That was you from yesterday. That was you that struggled. That was you that doubted. That was the old you.

Today you are new.

God makes you that way.

And what a beautiful picture you are!

A New Way

For years, Rob Goodhue watched his wife cut grapes one at a time… laboriously slicing them individually.  Some slipping from her fingers and others falling onto the floor.  He knew that there had to be another way.  Rob was an executive chef for many years at a country club and had developed a method that he now chose to pass along to his beloved.  He told her to take a plate and place it onto the plate of grapes she was trying to slice.  Then simply slip a knife between the plates and pull it across.  Voila!  Sliced grapes!  No mess, no injury, and very little effort.  Rob’s method has since gone viral across the internet leading one commenter to call him “the most genius husband in the universe.”

Maybe not the “most genius” but certainly willing to think differently.

What is it in your life that needs a little different way of looking at it?  What hasn’t been working that could with a little thought and prayer?  Is there an outdated method in your life?  Have you been doing it the same way for so long that you’ve concluded that it’s the only way it can be done?  If so, God has a word for you today… It’s found in the book of Isaiah 43:19.  God said: 

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  

I love that passage.  Whenever I get discouraged, I turn to that verse and it reminds me that just because I don’t see it… doesn’t mean that it isn’t going to happen.  God is working ahead of me, Steph, and our kids.  He will make a way… a new way… when the world tries to convince us that things are impossible.  

God is the God of new… of growth… of change.  He wants us to pursue His ways with everything we have… to see the desert as opportunity and not a burden.   Feeling stuck today?  Not making any progress?  Turn to God who wants to reignite the creativity and passion in your life!  Don’t settle for the way things are if they aren’t the best they can be.  

Take a minute… grab a plate… and ask the question “What if?  What if the way I’ve been doing it isn’t the way God wants it done?”  Accept the challenge of God’s “new” over your “routine”  Refuse to settle for mediocre and chase magnificent.   He has a new thing for your life…a new way of thinking or doing… that if you are bold enough to embrace it will change your forever.  

Soon enough you’ll find yourself doing more than just painlessly slicing grapes… you’ll be reaching your God potential.  

9/11

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

How could God allow tragedy?  The answer is simple.  Sometimes people choose to do things outside of God’s plan.   They disregard the scripture... and plot to bring destruction, chaos, and hurt.  People have disobeyed God since the first two in the Garden of Eden...and for thousands of years thereafter.  It isn’t new or exclusive to this generation.  Freewill is wonderful.  It allows us to love God because we WANT to...not because we are forced to.  It’s genuine.  But this same freedom has a potentially dangerous side.  People can choose the other way.  Bombs are set.  Lives are taken.  Families are broken forever.  

But God tells us to take heart because He has overcome the world.  Will bad things happen here?  Yes.  Will God be here with us through it?  Definitely.  

- Through His servants doing whatever it takes to comfort the mourning.  God is there.

- Through area churches providing counseling to the grieving. God is there.

- Through Christ-followers around the world that will spend a few extra minutes on their knees in deep prayer.  God is there.

We serve a God that knows anguish firsthand.  He has felt what you feel.  May His grace and strength continue to be with you as you persevere on the journey back to health. Take heart and know that you aren’t alone...  God is there.... He has overcome this world... and He loves you more than you’ll ever know.   

To the families of those directly affected by the events of 9/11… you will never be forgotten.  As we commemorate that dark chapter in our history today, may we never allow the acts of a few cloud our view of the love and power of our Lord.  

He Felt It Too

God knows you.   After all, every single cell in your body was by His design.  You are intentionally made and have a purpose that is as unique as your fingerprint.  Isn’t it comforting to know that God not only made you...

He cares about you.  

Not in a “hope everything works out” kinda way.  God cares specifically...intimately... in a way that only He can.  

But how?  How does an infinite God know how a finite human feels pain?  How can an everywhere-at-one-time God relate to how much we hurt at times?

He became one of us.   He felt our pain.  

He was crucified and sacrificed Himself for all of us.

John 19:28-30  “Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

But Jesus’ time with us was far from over... 

John 20:11-18  “Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.

They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.

He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).

Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.”

All-powerful God...coming to Earth as a baby.... spending time with His creation... feeling the pains of the human condition... being nailed to a cross for the sins of the world... and walking triumphantly from a tomb three days later.  

All of that so He could look into our hurting eyes and say...

I know how you feel.  I felt it too.  

I know what it feels like to have your friends walk away.

I know what it feels like to lose someone you love.

I know what it feels like to cry.

I know what it feels like to feel alone.

I know what it feels like to be accused of something you didn’t do.

I know what it feels like to hurt.

  

Without sinning, He did it all.   Just so He could feel what we feel.

While we wonder if anybody in the whole world... all seven billion of them... understand or have ever felt like we do.

Jesus does.  

Christ isn’t sympathetic to what’s hurting you today.  He doesn’t tell you that He hopes you feel better and then goes back to running the universe.  It’s not a passing sentiment... or hollow words of comfort sent your way... or empty rhetoric that everybody gets.  

He’s been there.  He’s been hurt.  

He’s empathetic.  

He feels it WITH you.  He hurts WITH you.  He goes through it WITH you.  He doesn’t abandon you to your challenges and turns a semi-understanding ear in your direction.  He runs to you with scarred arms wide open... ready to embrace you as you suffer.      He not only understands your pain... is not only working ahead of you to relieve your pain... He wants you to know that He himself has suffered your pain.  

He knows it hurts.  He also knows that it may look dark now... but the sun is about to rise on the shadows in your life.  Stay strong and remember...

God restores.

God empathizes.

You are loved more than you’ll ever know.  

Climbing Out

I know what the pit looks like.  I’ve been fired by a former church employer, been in and out of the hospital for various serious reasons, and seen my share of challenges that seemed insurmountable.   While I was going through the trials, I couldn’t help but wonder when they would be over...  Ever felt that way?  Ever wonder if you’d ever see the light again?  Ever been in a hole so deep that you just felt like you were doomed to stay there?  You aren’t the only one in that pit... but it sure feels like it.  Foreclosure... divorce... bullying... failure... illness... pride... shame...  

I don’t know what shape your pit is... but I completely understand the feeling of being in one.  

More importantly... so does Jesus.  The King of Kings and the Lord of Lords knows what the bottom of the pit feels like.  The smoothness of the walls... unable to be climbed. The dark so thick that your eyes feel closed even when wide open.  And the bottom of the pit?  Thick and filled with hopeless sludge... guaranteed to grab your feet and slow you down if you have any ideas about trying to climb out.  One step forward... 3 steps back.  Felt that?  

Death is a pit....  and Jesus experienced it for a brief time over 2000 years ago.  The enemy did everything he could to keep Christ in that deep darkness forever.   But Jesus knew His stay was short.  He had a mission and there was nothing that would keep Him away from rolling back that stone and flooding the pit of death with the light from the sun His Father put there.   Jesus would overcome death’s perfect record and emerge victorious.  

It’s because of Christ’s escape from His pit that we have hope.  

And hope is a powerful thing.  

In his book Think on These Things, author and former-Pastor John Maxwell says this about hope:

Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
Hope energizes when the body is tired.
Hope sweetens while bitterness bites.
Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
Hope believes when evidence is eliminated.
Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
Hope endures hardship when no on is caring.
Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.

Hope is powerful.  And maybe you’ve been looking for it for a long time.  Day after day you’ve searched above your head for light... even a pinhole of light that simply hasn’t come.   You’ve struggled at the bottom of your pit... but I’ve got great news... Jesus has a VERY long arm.  Today He’s reaching for you and wants to pull you out... to step into a new light for the first time in a long time.   Jesus is hope.  

Romans 8:24-25 “For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”

You may not see Jesus today... but rest assured, He’s there.  I know it’s hard to see that beautiful arm in the blackness of the pit... but it’s there.   Ready to pull you up to the light.  Never give up that hope.  Christ hears you calling out in the darkness... and I don’t know what lesson you’ll need to learn in the trial that you are enduring... but cling to the hope and promise that His resurrection was powerful enough to get you through it.  

He’s reaching for you.

And when you finally feel that nail-pierced hand... grab onto it tightly and allow Him to rescue you.  Give your life to Him... read His word... serve in His church... grow by being more like Him.  Never give up hope in the One who promises to always be there.  Hope reminds you that things will get better.  But you know the greatest thing about hope?  It changes.  Jesus never changes... but the hope that got us out of that first pit...  becomes faith. We don’t just hope we’ll be rescued... we begin to know and have faith it will happen if we ever slip in again. 

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Hope keeps you going... It keeps you from not giving up looking for light in the bottom of the pit... 

Faith reminds you that you aren’t alone down there.. and won’t stay there for long.  

Never give up hope... 

live a life of faith...  

And when you are pulled out of that hole (and you will be).... give the credit to God who sent the rescue team of One. 

Grab His Hand

I found this passage...written by someone who suffered with cancer....

“When I was diagnosed with Cancer:  

My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying, "I can’t believe that you have cancer. I always thought you were so active and healthy." He left and I felt alienated and somehow very "different."

My second friend came and brought me information about different treatments being used for cancer. She said "Whatever you do, don’t take chemotherapy. It’s a poison!"  So she left and I felt scared and confused.

My third friend came and tried to answer my "whys?" with the statement "Perhaps God is disciplining you for some sin in your life?"  He left and I felt guilty.

My fourth friend came and told me, "If your faith is just great enough God will heal you." She left and I felt my faith must be inadequate.

My fifth friend came and told me to remember that "All things work together for good." He left and I felt angry.

My sixth friend never came at all.  I felt sad and alone.

My seventh friend came and held my hand and said, "I care, I’m here, I want to help you through this."  She left and I felt loved!

-Linda Mae Richardson

God says the same thing to you.

You may not be dealing with cancer today.  But you could still be in need of care.  It might be a broken marriage, a jaded heart, or an empty bank account. 

People will mean well when they try to help.  They’ll use logic, their related past experiences, and researched information.  Some will stick around.  Some won’t.  Even your very best friend in the world can’t do what God does.  

God is different.  He looks past what you’re calling out for and gives you what you need.  He sees your scars and counts the tears that roll down your face...reminding you that He Himself was scarred and wept so that you could ultimately spend your eternity free from pain.  

God is consistent.  His feelings for you don’t change.   You can’t make Him love you more... and He isn’t going to love you less.  You are infinitely flawed and infinitely valuable to Him...and He will never quit on you.  He doesn’t promise you constant sunshine... but He does guarantee His presence in your storms. He won’t leave your bedside.  Feeling alone?  Nothing helping your situation?  Ready to give up?

Don’t you dare. 

If you are going through something today.  Simply stop. Sit somewhere and read through this verse:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Deuteronomy 31:6

God is telling you something.  Do you hear it?  He is telling you... 

I care.

I’m here.

I want to help you through this.

Grab His hand and never let go.  

It Can't Be Taken From You

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,”  James 1:2

I read the story of a man named Robert Reid.

The article said, “His hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He can’t bathe himself. He can’t feed himself. He can’t brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. Strips of Velcro hold his shirts together. His speech drags like a worn out audiocassette. 

Robert has cerebral palsy.”

The disease keeps him from driving a car, riding a bike, and going for a walk. But it didn’t keep him from graduating from high school or attending Abilene Christian University, from which he graduate with a degree in Latin. Having cerebral palsy didn’t keep him from teaching at St. Louis junior college or from venturing overseas on five mission trips. 

And Robert’s disease didn’t prevent him from becoming a missionary in Portugal.

He moved to Lisbon, alone, in 1972. There he rented a hotel room and began studying Portuguese. He found a restaurant owner who would feed him after the rush hour and a tutor who would instruct him in the language. 

Then he stationed himself daily in a park, where he distributed brochures about Christ. Within six years he led seventy people to the Lord, one of whom became his wife, Rosa. 

“I have everything I need for joy,” he said.”

Everything for joy?  The world would say he didn’t.  He had a debilitating disease... couldn’t do many things for himself... His emotions might have got the best of him if not for one critical component in Robert’s life:

A lifelong relationship with his loving God.

Robert knew that joy doesn’t come from circumstance...it comes from connection.  Staying tethered to Christ in the darkness... when the world seems hopeless, helpless, and harmful.  Joy isn’t temporary...it doesn’t shift with the wind... 

Joy is knowing that Jesus Christ is there and will never leave.

Joy is being confident in your salvation.

Joy is doing more than the world says you can because your God will get you through.

Joy is remembering that your legs may not work, but your heart can still dance.

Joy is feeling blessed even when the storms roll in.

Joy is leaning on God’s promises in spite of what you see in front of you.

Joy can’t be taken from you... 

It isn’t a feeling.

It isn’t an emotion.

Joy is recalling what Christ looks and sounds like in the darkest part of the valley.

Joy is following your Shepherd simply because you remember that He knows the way.

Joy is more than happiness... for happiness fades.  It is an inner and unending spring of confidence that comes from knowing the size and strength of God. 

If you don’t have joy in your life today... it is my prayer that you would do your very best to seek it.   Let nothing hold you back from the life of joy that God has for you.  He is good... He is loving... and He died so that we can live the life we were created to.  

Why Me?

Technically speaking, David Ring was born dead. Quick acting medical personnel were able to get him breathing, but oxygen deprivation left him with cerebral palsy. He suffered from a speech impediment, hands that don’t cooperate, and a limp. As if that wasn’t enough adversity for one person, both his parents died by the time he was fourteen years old, and his hemophiliac brothers subsequently died of AIDS. 

David’s remaining family members feared that David would never have a normal life, because they assumed he would never marry, have children, drive a car, earn a living or take care of himself. As a young teenager, David came surrender his life to God and came to see his disability as a gift. Once he began to see his circumstances as being chosen for him by God, he began moving forward. 

Today he is married, had four beautiful children, drives a car, and speaks to more than 250 audiences a year. At his speaking engagements he sells T-shirts bearing the slogan “Don’t Whine…SHINE!”

David Ring has taken responsibility for his life—the bad, the difficult and the wonderful. And he continues to celebrate the difference he is able to make in the lives of others. 

When people wrestle with difficult life experiences, the why question often gets in the way. One of David Ring’s Axioms is “Don’t ask God why. Ask What. What do you want me to do with this?”

You may not be facing what David did... but whatever stands in your way leaves you with two questions:  

“Why me?”  or

“What now?” 

Which one do you find yourself going to more often?  Let’s take a look at each response.

1. Asking “Why Me?”    

How many thousands of times do you think it crossed David Ring’s mind to use Cerebral Palsy as an excuse NOT to do something.  He hurt... his tongue couldn’t say what his brain was sending it... his hands and feet crippled and painful.  Every person with a beating heart on the planet would have understandingly told him... it’s ok...  we know you’re at a disadvantage... you’re off the hook for not reaching the potential God has put into your heart.

That didn’t happen.  David didn’t quit.  

It wasn’t a disadvantage.

It was an opportunity.

He didn’t question why it was happening...he just kept pushing forward.

The enemy gave him every reason to wonder but instead...

David worshipped.   

You may be tempted to ask the same thing today.  The world would understand wouldn’t it?  They’ll tell you that your marriage can’t be fixed.... your condition won’t improve... and other lies. Will you believe them or will you hold on to God’s promise of growing you through your circumstances?  Like we talked about earlier this week... miracles still happen.   Sometimes the miracle you are looking for starts with your willingness to believe God can do it.   

Perhaps challenge is exactly what we need to get past our insistence on having all the answers and acting within our own power...

Which brings us to the next question.... the one we should be asking when we feel knocked down...

2)  What Now?

The question isn’t why... it’s what.  What do I do with what I am facing?   What do I need to do to leverage the calamity to strengthen my character?  What does God want me to learn?  

All good questions... healthy questions.  And when they are honestly looked at and answered, we move forward with courage rather than shrink in fear.  

When I face challenges, I turn to two verses that bring me comfort.  They wholly answer the question of “what now”...

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”  Romans 8:28

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.”  Romans 8:18

God assures us of three things when we suffer.  There’s a purpose to it, it’s only for a season, and better things are on the other side of the hurt.   What challenges you today will be used to strengthen your resolve... build your integrity... sure up your determination... prove to you that you are stronger in God’s power than you are on your own... and ultimately bring God glory for Who He is.   

What do you do now?  Praise Him in the rains... turn to Him when it hurts so bad you want to stop... look for His heart when yours is broken.  He promises in His word that everything you are facing will come together and ultimately you will win.  In His power and by His grace, what looks to be your deepest tragedy will become your moment of triumph.  In the meantime... cling to Him in this season.  It won’t last forever and neither will the suffering.  

Even the darkest nights relent.  Clouds part.  And warm sun returns.  

If you find yourself struggling today...stop asking “why me” and turn your eyes to Christ.  Seek His path through the wilderness.  Your “Happily Ever After” awaits on the other side.