A Rough Road

  Hello there!  It's been a while.  Have you ever found yourself faced with a difficult phase of life and wondering if you are on the right path?  Maybe you were sure you were headed in the right direction, but everything just seems to be slowing you down and tripping you up along the way.  We sometimes have the tendency to think that if things aren't going smoothly we aren't meant to travel that path.  But just because things aren't easy doesn't mean you are going the wrong way.  Moses in the book of Exodus faced opposition from Pharaoh day after day. (Exodus 5-12)  He was told "No" over and over again.  He could have begun to question whether God was really going to deliver Israel or whether he had really been called to lead them to freedom, but God was using the setbacks and delays to set them up for a triumphant exodus from Egypt.  When Pharaoh finally did let them leave, they left with gold and silver in abundance because the Egyptians were so eager to see them get out.  God was preparing them to receive all these blessings through all the tribulations they faced.
  Similarly, maybe you felt God was calling you to do something, but when you proceeded to do what He asked things became difficult.  Maybe you faced loss or hardship, and these situations left you doubting your direction.  Do not give up when the road becomes difficult.  If you are willing to stay the course and hold on to faith, you will come out more triumphant and more blessed than you could have imagined in the first place.  Like the pressure that forms the diamond out of the rock, the difficulties you face are forming you into a person who shines and who is more valuable and beautiful inside and out.
  If you are struggling today, know that God loves you, and that you can "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of you faith produces patience.  Patience must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."  (James 1:2-4)  When you come out on the other side of your battles you will not lack anything.  You will be complete.  Keep your chin up.  Your victory is waiting for you.  I can't wait to see you succeed!

~K.W.