Overcoming challenges

How we look at our present circumstances in life has an enormous impact on the outcome.  It's easy to be happy when things are going your way but the true test of character is how we behave when we are going through life's challenges.

I have been fortunate over the last year; personally, professionally and spiritually every aspect of my life has been perfect.   Although I have expressed my gratefulness and appreciation for the blessings that I have received, I came to "expect" the easy road to continue indefinitely.

Recently however, I have felt a sense of discontentment in my life.  After taking time to reflect and examine changes in my routine, I realized that a certain area that once invigorated and inspired me was now causing stress and worry to creep into my heart and mind.

Historically, this type of uneasiness occurs in my life when I am moving in a direction that is not in God's plan for my life.  Since I seek His guidance each day, these "alerts" are God's way of getting my attention.  I believe that God is always available to us, but does not intervene unless we invite Him into our life and ask him for guidance.   One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 3: 5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

As a mother, it is helpful to think of God as my Father when I am faced with life's challenges.  Especially when my heart is telling me to take an action that is not in line with my personal or professional aspirations.  Parents are often forced to exercise "tough love" with their children and I believe, God sometimes has to do the same with us.  God delights in nothing more than our choice to believe him over what we see and feel.  I love the story of Esther and how God put her in a position to save her people, however he did not force her to act.  Esther had to decide to "play the part"!

How do you respond when life throws you a curve ball? Do you respond emotionally or do you seek counsel from Christ and move into action?  It may not always be easy but choosing to take action is a mark of strength. "If you will keep pressing forward, if you will keep believing  God says He will take your negative experiences, turn them around, and He will use them to your advantage." (Joel Osteen)

Love and peace to all,

Kelly

Excerpt from NIV Life Application Bible:
"Just as fire purifies silver in the smelting process, trials refine our character.  They bring us a new and deeper wisdom, helping us discern truth from falsehood and giving us the discipline to do what we know is right.  Above all, these trials help us realize that life is a gift from God to be cherished, not a right to be taken for granted." (reference Psalm 66:12)