Life is hard, unfortunately. While there are many mountaintop experiences, there are just as many (if not more) valley experiences. We need both in order to grow and become who God created us to be. I just have to say, though, that going through the valley, going through the fire, being broken…it SUCKS!! It hurts! A LOT!! I do trust God so I know I will get through it with His help and strength, and I will be better for it, stronger on the other side. But in the midst of it? IT SUCKS! It’s horrible! I know it’s a matter of keeping my focus on Jesus, on the prize, on taking one day at a time. Some days I do ok, but others I just want to crawl into bed with the covers up and cry. I pray A LOT! I need to take my thoughts captive all the time. Feeling sorry for myself isn’t going to help the situation. God is in control. I just have to keep giving it back to Him. Like Peter walking on water, as long as I keep my eyes on Jesus I am ok. But as soon as I take my eyes off Him, I start to panic and sink. It’s ok to feel sad and angry, but I can’t dwell there. I need to share it with God then leave it all there at the foot of the cross. He will carry me through this storm.
I am thankful because it has shown me my dependence on Him. I must rely on Him for everything. He loves me and will meet ALL my needs. All of this is so I can be used by HIm, to bring Him glory. I can help others going through tough times. Jesus is my HOPE. God continues to remind me of His unconditional love for me, how He pursued me but I didn’t really respond. I am grateful He never gave up on me, that He is always faithful, that nothing can separate me from His love!