Walking Through the Fire

I've had to walk through the fire so many many times. When you're going through some really tough stuff and you can't see the light at the end of the tunnel, you begin asking God a lot of questions. I've had my angry conversations with God questioning, "how much longer God, haven't I had enough?! I know there's a lesson to learn in every tough season and every trial, but come on! Why is this dragging on so long?!! I'm tired and I've had it!" Sound familiar? Sometimes it seems and feels as though everything is falling apart. The smile you once had disappears, your heart becomes burdened by all of the things you can't control, and you just want to throw in the towel. I may get tired and feel like doing just that, but I know that I can't and as I have said to you many times before, HOPE is what keeps me going. I have felt helpless plenty of times, but never without hope regardless of how bleak the situation may be. I've had days too where I just wanted to crawl under the blankets and hide, but I don't. I may linger in bed extra long, but make myself get up and keep going. I knew that the fire I've had to walk through was not in vain and that I was being refined. Through great pain, despair, and exhaustion, I knew that my character was being developed and faith increased. I also knew that I didn't have to walk through the fire alone. I will always proclaim the faithfulness of God. 

You too can make it through whatever you're going through, even if it feels in the thick of it like you can't take another step or go another day. Hold on, because change is coming! I've learned to take it one day at a time and even one hour at a time. God will always reveal to you in due time the purpose of your pain, suffering, and hidden struggles you've been trying to face on your own. Learn to lean on Him, He wants you to and He will carry you through to the end. Don't allow the flames to consume you. Grow through what you go through, knowing that God NEVER wastes a battle! Once you come out of that rough season or whatever you're going through, you will never be the same person who walked in. Keep pressing, and keep holding on! Look at what all I have made it through, and if remembering all I have shared is what keeps you hanging on and persevering then praise Jesus for that. Part of my mission here is to give you that. Refuse to give up easily because God has made you a warrior! 

One of my tattoos says, " And still I rise." It's the truth and a constant personal reminder that I have always and will continue to always rise again because of Jesus. There is absolutely nothing you could go through that Jesus hasn't experienced himself which is why He can empathize with every single hurt, struggle, pain, frustration, anger, and loneliness you may feel. God didn't just give us Himself. He's given us other people who will walk along side us when we are going through hell. I can tell you countless times I have experienced this. Last year there was a time that I was frustrated and completely burnt out and I was in the gym working out, getting lost in my worship music......both are a huge comfort for me. There was a stranger that came up to me and said, " I don't know what you're going through, but I just felt led to come over and let you know that I am praying for you." OMG, I was so unbelievably touched and more so because of how much God loves us and gives us exactly what we need at the exact moment we need it. His love and compassion overwhelms me!! So just remember that when you feel alone, you're not. Remember that you will always make it through and you will always be okay!!!