As I was driving home today the song " God bless the Broken road "came on the radio. I love this song because it reminds me of how God brought me to my knees. I have told people often of how much I appreciate what God allowed me to go through so that I would finally give my life over to Him. If I had not suffered the loss of respect, family, work, and sense of worth I don't believe I would appreciate them as I do now. I know I too often took too many things for granted so God allowed me to lose them for a season.
It still amazes me that we as a culture, Christian and secular alike don't mind suffering for things that we desire but we rail against God when He uses adversity to strengthen us. How many of you out there go to the gym daily and lift weights and sweat and push yourselves to the limit in search of that perfect body? We deny ourselves certain foods and pleasures to achieve a physical goal.
While God wants us to stay in good physical shape for our well-being, His desire is for our souls to be strong and for us to learn to lean on and go to Him for everything. Many of the trials that we go through in life are His way of working our soul muscles. It's like the old saying " That which does not kill you makes you stronger ". I don't profess to understand every trial that I deal with in life and I don't believe everyone is from God. We live in a sinful world and things happen. When they do God has taught me to leave them at His feet and let Him handle it. I have dealt with depression, addiction, suicidal thoughts, self loathing and many others. When I was in the midst of these I assure you I was crying out to God but not understanding why He was allowing this. After I surrendered my life and He eased some of the suffering it became more clear He loved my enough to make me use my soul muscles.
I don't know how well I have explained or shared this with you. I believe a large part of any audience that comes to read this blog will be those in search of a relationship and some understanding of God. My walk with Him shows me everyday how much He cares and desires for me. You don't have to be the Pope or Billy Graham to know and understand God and especially Jesus. If you are going through a rough season I pray for you and hope you will release it to Jesus. As I always say, I do not have all the answers but I do have the one answer and that is God. That may not soothe you now if you are in a horrible situation. There is much evil in the world and I hope and pray God saves you from whatever evil you are dealing with. I love you all out there and know that many of you suffer more than I ever have. I would not lead you to Jesus if I were not absolutely sure He is your salvation. Yours in Christ
