“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9 NIV
It’s not easy holding on to your faith when everything is falling apart. It’s not easy to forgive that family member that keeps breaking your heart. It’s not easy to stay calm and to speak words of love when someone has just cursed you out. It’s not easy to be still and wait when you feel as if your situation is about to make you lose your mind. It’s not easy to show compassion when someone is pushing you away. It’s not easy to ignore people who laugh at you because of your beliefs. It’s not easy to love someone who hates you. It’s not easy admitting you’ve made a mistake. It’s not easy saying I’m sorry. It’s not easy letting go of your past. It’s not easy to give up what is comfortable or familiar in order to move into your destiny. It’s not easy to look ahead when the future feels uncertain. It’s not easy to change your thinking. It’s not easy to pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you have fallen. It’s not easy to think before you speak. It’s not easy to submit to the voice of God when he’s telling you to go right and your flesh wants to go left. It’s not easy letting go of toxic relationships.
Someone maybe asking, then why do you do it? Where do you find the strength to keep going? My strength comes from the Almighty. I’m not alone during my trials and tribulations. He has promised that he will never leave me nor forsake me. He has promised me protection and guidance.
I can’t go back to the life I used to live. It was full of confusion, bitterness and depression. Life was a lot more difficult before I met Christ. I saw no future, no hope. I could only find temporary solutions to my problems. Now, I am fully armed. I have hope and a future. God has a permanent solution to every problem. I think, speak and act better. What I’ve lost in my old life doesn’t compare to what I’ve gained in my new life with Christ. I’ve gained peace, grace, mercy, wisdom, comfort and love and I’m never giving it up.
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 16-18 NIV
Balm 4 the Soul 
Your entry was very timely for me. I thank God for the messages he writes through you, Tam. They’re such an encouragement and blessing to me. Keep up the writing!
This is awesome… I might still this and tag ppl on FB in my notes. This is the very thing I’m and others are dealing with.
This was right on time Tammy. I was Feeling a little pressed and sad these past couple of weeks and prayer and the Word has kept me. Certain things seem so hard and you ask why is this happening (sometimes again!), but I just remember how GOD has always been there and will never leave (Holy Spirit). “peace, grace, mercy, wisdom, comfort and love and I’m never giving it up.” Amen and Amen! God Bless you Tammy and to those that read.