Do I use the hard times in life as a way to plug into God? This was one of the questions asked by Pastor Tom. This is something I have recently been learning how to do. My initial reaction has always been to focus on the horrible thing that is going on at the moment, to allow it to completely ruin my day. To let it have control. I still do it. The difference now is that I do eventually see what God wants me to learn from the experience. I see that each experience changes me and strengthens me, and with each experience it does not take as long for me to reach out to God and lean on Him instead of just dwelling in the situation.
The Pastor also talked about how Jesus always heals the spiritual before the physical. I have experienced that through my time of depression. I have talked to people about my feelings, over and over. Talking helped me to sort things out. I took the medication, which I was not happy about but, it helped to calm my emotions enough so I could focus. What has really helped me through it is my developing relationship with God. It is during my quiet times with Him that things really sink in.
He also talked about the importance of alone time with God. This is, also, something I have been working on. Reading the bible for me was always a big struggle. I felt frustrated because I just didn't understand it. I have learned that God will show me what I need to learn from the Bible each time I read it. It is ok if I read a chapter and nothing jumps out at me. I may not have needed what that chapter was teaching that day, and it is ok because more importantly I had my special time with God through reading His word.
Prayer has been my biggest struggle. Part of that was a self-esteem issues. I could pray for others sometimes but not for myself. Now it is more of a struggle with staying focused. My mind loves to wander. So I have started to physically write God letters of prayer. I have to stay focus in order to write what I am thinking.
I don't always do these things everyday but, I have been doing them pretty regularly. I truly am a different person than I was when I first started to go to church, about five years ago. It is all because of my relationship with God, through his Son. Sometimes life can feel like a non-stop, uphill climb. It can make you feel like you just can't do anything right. God will get you through it, and He really does not allow you to go through more than you can handle. It is your choice on how you are going to get through it. Someone once told me that all of our struggles have a shelf life and that they will eventually expire.
Have a Blessed Day!
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