Are You Walking Alone?

“For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:5)

It has been several weeks since I last wrote. I know my reasons. Have you ever felt like you have been plunked into a place of total confusion and uncertainty?  While not the first time in my life that I have been in this position, I long for smooth and predictable days.

 When I was much younger, I knew what my directions were day to day, year to year and I did not give too much thought about what tomorrow would bring. I was in charge of my destiny…so I thought. 

 We each have our own story and if we are honest not everything has gone perfectly. There were so many obstacles, twists and turns. Some extremely painful things caused frustration, anger, and at times even a desire for revenge. But I learned that these cause a ripple effect on everyone around me.

 Are you like me? Do you have a dramatic pity party for days, months and even years? We all have periods of good days even months or years thinking life is pretty good and then the bottom falls out! My friends, you are not alone. Even Christ had good and bad days, when His friends turned against Him. They held negative conversations behind His back. He experienced death of close friends, had enemies that wanted Him dead. He knew pain and suffering more than we will ever experience. Yet He knew His Father loved Him, cared for Him and would bring Him home when the time was perfect.    

 I forget that I am not alone in my struggles; that I have a God that loves me, cares for me, that there is not a place or moment on this earth that He does not know where I am or what I’m doing. He is ready to listen to my cries, praises, thankfulness and He knows my heart when I cannot speak the words to pray.

 I don’t know your struggles but I do know that God knows it ALL and He is there for you. These past few weeks I have learned a lot, studying more of the Word. I think I am in a reflecting period in my life and I am calling it “Patty’s Awaking.”  Maybe I am a late bloomer, but that’s okay. All of my triumphs and failures along my path have helped me see more of the why’s and less of the why nots. We need to find more Thank You Lord for the journey and less regrets. I know there are more roads to travel but today, I am better prepared with Jesus walking beside me.  

One Thing Remains with Jesus Culture

Father, I am grateful that You know us better than we know ourselves. You never give up on us when we are in pain and struggling. Help us to recognize and be grateful when the blessings come—even when we are not deserving. AMEN.