Journey of a Thousand Miles

When did I stop believing that things would just work out? In my youth, I just had faith that everything would work out for the better. Even if I went through hard times, I just knew that they would eventually turn around. And they did. I was much more carefree in high school. Then something turned around. After a bad breakup with my high school sweetheart and a bad relationship in college, I stopped believing that things would just work out. I started worrying and fearing and fretting. But this only made the bad times worse and the good times worrisome of what was coming next. As I get older, life only gets harder. There are more responsibilities, higher expectations, unanswered prayers, delayed promises... it all starts piling up, along with the fear and anxiety. That's when I have to turn my eyes back to my Source. It's not me who has this all under control. There is Someone better who has this all in His hands, and He's going to take care of me... and you. Mat...

God doesn't throw out our prayers. He cares about the details of our lives. If there's something you're praying for over and over, and it's still not being answered, take comfort in the fact that God does care, even if He seems far away. He is working out the details of your life through the circumstances you're currently in.  If there's someone who can pray with you, invite people in. Don't assume that people won't be interested in your prayer just because they're not struggling with the same thing. You'd be surprised how much people care and want to know your struggles. They want to share theirs too and know that they're not alone.  You may wonder if there's ever an end to your suffering. There is. There always is. Sometimes it takes days, months, or years. I was unemployed twice for a matter of six months, and God provided great job opportunities that have built the career of my dreams. I was single for years, and God provided a ...

Ever feel like God is holding out on you? I think we've all felt that way at one time or another. Like He has chosen to ignore our prayers or He purposely doesn't answer them, and somehow we think He's punishing us for some sin we did. It's easy to think this way because maybe at one point our parents held out on us out of punishment for something we did wrong, but we have to remember that our Heavenly Father never withholds anything that is good for us. He promises to bring all things to good. He promises to provide for our needs. And sometimes we think we need something when we really don't. Or maybe there is something that we need that God isn't answering, like our health or a way to pay the bills. Sometimes God chooses not to heal, but He still promises to use all our situations for good, even the bad situations. I always think I trust Him until He takes away the one thing I think I need. That's when my faith is tested. I feel tested lately. Luc...