The journey of life...

Thank you for the encouraging comments-I do not mean to leave anyone hanging, but I just feel like I keep repeating myself and do not feel so positive at the moment, and don't want to bring anyone down. I AM struggling, I AM hurting, and am not afraid to admit that-but don't want to put that on anyone else. We all have our struggles in different forms-some known and some unknown. I have always been thankful for people who have helped me walk through them, and am thankful for those who have encouraged me through this journey-but still feel so alone. It is strange. I am such a social person-this is the weirdest thing for me, and I know it will not always be this way, and certainly look forward to the day that it changes. I just miss community. I miss being a part of something. I want to feel valued again. That was the most frustrating part about the last job-I did not feel valued at all, even though I worked really hard.

This has taken a toll on me mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually-more than I realize...but I have to press on. I have no choice. I cannot let it consume me. This is not the first struggle or obstacle, and will not be the last. I know I have been blessed beyond measure-and trust me, I am ever so grateful for that. I have come to realize-at least for me-that life seems to be a constant of struggles. You get through this one...then the next one comes. I don't really understand it, but I know that my faith in God and God Himself has led me through each one-making me stronger along the way, and this will be no different. I also know that there are so many people struggling WAY more than I am, and I wish I could reach out to them. I know we will never understand the hurt and pain in the world, and I know that God never promised us it would be easy-but sometimes it does get a bit overwhelming. I have to trust that God is in control, even amidst my lack of understanding and frustration to want to make things so much better.

I received this from a sweet lady from the church I have been visiting. I know she does not even know how much I am struggling, but it was so incredibly timely...

"When I was growing up, it seems as if jobs were pretty sound. When one was a good worker and business was running smoothly, you did not have to worry about loosing your job. In our farming community most of the jobs were related to the production of crops. Very few people had extra, went on trips or seldom went to fine restaurants.

Now look how the world has changed. It is a radical turn around from the simple life when I grew up. There are so many jobs with new technology, new construction, new roads, and travel to space etc. The list is endless. Neither is there job security. One may have worked for one company for years and suddenly be let go. The only security we can count on is God's offer of security through our obedient faith. Praise God!

I am thankful that what a Christian sees on this earth will last only a short time but what we can't see will last forever (Heb. 11). I know life has many stormy times and difficulties that people face along the way. Times can be tough and almost too much to bear. 1 Peter 2 says we are like foreigners and strangers in this world. Unhappiness and dissatisfaction stirs our desire to seek God's promises of that heavenly home. We hunger for Heaven.

God did not say our journey on this earth would be easy. Just think what the Son of Man endured (Heb. 12:2). I am sure that His heart was heavy when people who He was close to, rejected Him, even betrayed Him. No matter the circumstances, Jesus looked to the Father to know His will and then through loving obedience He did as the Father showed Him.

Jesus knew His future. He knew He would reign with God when God's plan was fulfilled. We too, can look forward to the future. James 1-2 says "The man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him-God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him." That should bring us much joy to know of the future blessings that faithful followers will experience.

We do not know what lies ahead in our life on this earth nor do we know all of God's plans for His children. We do know that He made heaven for us to live in and this earth is only a temporary dwelling. God has promised us peace as long as we have faith in Him.

Hebrews 11 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus for He is the author and perfecter of our faith. Jesus sat down at the right hand of the throne of God and He now awaits His brothers and sisters to join Him. Praise be to God, no matter the struggles we endure on this earth, our arrival in our heavenly home will be worthwhile knowing Jesus is there to greet us. Earth is only a short haul. Heaven is eternal."

Amen.