You have been challenged…

…to life…

and… go!

Life is certainly a challenge for me, for you, and for all of mankind. Even the flora and fauna get a piece of the challenge along the way. Sometimes we even have the mindset of being born to die, so just go with the challenges and try to win out in the end with the fullest of legacy as possible.

If life was all about legacy, I am in trouble. Stubborn, fitful, sad, and shy childhood started me out. All of that was followed by teen-aged angst full of depression, seeking approval, and living in the shadows of what could be. Young adulthood found me making stupid mistakes despite my faith, further depression, excuses, and running away from all that I had known. Early married life came with all the mistakes that most young married couples make as well as deeper hurts that took faith and healing to remedy brokenness. Motherhood found darkness despite the joy of babes in arms.

And now, wow, I am just feeling so much of the above mixed with complete trust in the Lord… what a mess of a challenging stew that mixes in so much thankfulness, confusion, and complete reliance on the sovereign hand of God. He made me into quite a story. Hopefully this story leads to a legacy of faith through fire.

Faith through fire.

Paul had a thorn in his side to keep him humble. I sometimes ponder upon my own thorns. I use to accuse the Lord of not liking me and giving me a white elephant gift of depression and anxiety that was no gift at all. Not that mental illness or the like keeps one humble, but maybe the comforted will become the comforter at some point and hold a hand along the path of another’s faith walk. Maybe my experiences will provide insight to a challenge for a loved one.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV 

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed

We are not destroyed when we place our faith in the one who sees us through every trial. Our afflictions are nothing compared to His glory and plan for us. We are never forgotten, never forsaken.

James 1:2-4 ESV

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

We can have joy through all of these things. Feeling tested isn’t a sin, it’s what we do with the results that can lead us away from Our Father. Be steadfast in your response no matter what darkness you may find yourself in. The Lord is there with you. He will see you through.