I love God so much. I think it's incredible how you can be so upset and down about things, and then the Lord comes and completely turns everything around. I've seen so much lately how God takes us through different times/cycles of our lives. Sometimes, we have to go through things in order to grow as individuals. We have to become who God has purposed for each of us to be. I can't imagine what life would be like without times that seriously test you. God knew what He was doing...even though life is hard sometimes. I found this awesome verse tonight that has really been speaking to me...check it out people-
"All this happend to us, though we had not forgotten you or been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals and covered us over with deep darkness." Psalm 44: 17-19
I simply love this passage. Think about the Israelites...how many times did they mess up??? (like a billiondy) In this case though, the writer is asking God why?? Why is this happening when we've obeyed Your commands? The people are experiencing a rough time and they don't get why all of it is happening. THIS IS SO TRUE WITH US TOO!!! I know my life is practically identical to the Israelites. I mess up so many times during the day, and chances are it'll be the thing I'm trying the most NOT to do. Thank God for grace and mercy! Then there are those times where you feel completely in God's will...you know you are doing everything He wants of you...then suddenly things start going downhill. First off we gotta check our hearts to see if there is any sin we need to take care of...but then we have those times when God has something we need to learn. I know for a fact that He gives us these times because we NEED them. In order to be the child of God we were created to be...we have to go through hard times. Without this, there is never progress...(for those of you in Mrs. Knox class...remember that conversation about progress in society and in life??? it TOTALLY applies here!)
The biggest thing I've discovered is this - God takes us through these times because He LOVES us. There is no greater love then our Heavenly Father's. He knows what we need, and regardless of whether we want to experience something; He takes us down whatever path He sees fit. But, He does this because He can see the whole picture...God knows what we need, and He's gonna do whatever it takes to get us to that place in our lives/our relationship with Him.
Whoever out there is going through a trial...or maybe you're at an amazing place in your life right now. Remember- God loves you. That love is unconditional...and because He loves you that much, He won't let you stay the same. God is gonna pull you and tug at every area of your life and heart until you look exactly like Him. Since that won't happen here on earth, we're always gonna be growing and being changed.
Whatever you do, DONT give up! God brought you to this place, and He's going to bring you out of it! Hang in there...He loves you so much...dont ever forget that!
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1 | 
