Going off last night's quiet time (yes, i know... "last night?!?!"), I wanted to continue on what we can expect, and do, in regards to our own personal struggle. I don't remember when, but I had a difficult time learning that life will never be without struggle. The passing of family & friends, illness, ... things out of my control, ok - bound to happen. But i had this crazy notion that "we" can attain this level of "personal zen" where, despite what happens, we can remain happy... calm... at peace.

Reality soon set in and God showed me that life is about ups & downs... and it's what you do with each that counts. Do you truly appreciate the "up" moment, because it will not last forever. (it's not supposed to) Are you grateful to your Father for that moment of happiness? What about the "down" moments? Are you a grump throughout this moment? Do you detract from your Father whilst you "try to get thru this tough time"? Or does this tough moment draw you closer to Him? Maybe even, thanking Him for this moment because you see it for what it truly is - A moment where He is trying to grow you into this person that He sees you to be?

What has God done with you during your time as a disciple? Or, maybe a better way to phrase it is... what have you allowed God to change in you? (Let's face it, God can do anything but how often do we "go limp" when He tries to help us grow?)

When tough times hit, try to take a step back and analyze what you're doing? What happened that brought you here? Am I reacting like I normally do? Is that a good thing? Can it be improved? But most certainly ask yourself: "Am I staying even closer to Him through all of this?!?"

We all know that, the more you rely on your own strength & understanding, the longer this struggle will stick around. I like to think that when we handle a problem without God, it's as if we're building a "mother-in-law apartment" to the side of our house, for the devil. Yeah, on your own, the tough time may go away, and you may see the sun shine once more, but without God, what have you learned? That problem will soon be back, and with more relatives!

"Growing in God" means analyzing what you do during the tough times - If someone were to watch you, do your actions draw them towards God? If not, then why? As disciples, that is the goal, and not perfection. But most certainly, "lone wolfing it" is most definitely not the way. (and confessing to your spouses is a step, but not everything, guys...)

God is so strong, that He doesn't need you to solve your problem!

The Almighty, the maker of heaven & earth (and everything inbetween, around & outside of it), can take care of any situation. We know this!! And yet, I know that I seclude myself when tough times hit! And yet, God watches us, waiting patiently for us to lean more upon Him, like the ever-loving parent. he watches us keep to ourselves... run the same plays that produce little results... all because we're stubborn.

I remember my therapist telling me on multiple occasions, "you need to do this to get thru this problem", and my response would be, "no. I can't. I'm just 'not there' yet". And most of the time, at my next session, i'd tell her that I "did what she asked" and asked for the next step. We are are our own speed-bump... stumbling block.... worst enemy. Whether we can admit it or not, there is this part of us that constantly reminds us of how we can't do things... how pathetic we are... Again, the devil doesn't have to out a gun to our heads for us to sin... all he has to do is feed our negative side and we do the devil's work for him. We are not his disciples! But God has given us authority of this snake! (Luke 10:19)