If it had not been for Him…can you imagine…

If it had not been for Him…can you imagine…what would our lives be like…where would we be…who would we be…

Have you ever just sat and thought about your journey up until now. The things that did or could have happened to us as children…the things that did happen, could have… or are happening to us as adults. My mom used to remind me that, ‘it could always be worse’. I remember those words through my ‘what in the world’ moments.

When I really sit down and think about things…not just the good…but even those things that are deeply hurtful and life changing…it’s not anger that controls my heart…but gratitude, because it could have been or could be worst. Now, my state of gratitude is not magical or automatic…it was and is a process…a choice. The gratitude that I feel is to the God that I believe in and the comfort I’ve been gifted through the Son that He sent to save us all from ourselves.

When I think of some of the things that I’ve gone through…my reaction vs someone else’s reaction, who has gone through similar or has simply been a spectator of another who has…it’s not because of my natural strength…but my spiritual strength, that I do stand and can now say that I am better, not bitter…

I’m a spiritual warrior who works hard at trusting and believing beyond what I see and feel…every day. Prayer, scripture, worship and praise are a part of my daily drill to prepare for what comes in the natural. This daily drill won’t allow you to be caught off guard, if you pay attention to the prompts. The strength that you build up because of the drills will prop you up when you need it and push you forward…if you let it.

At the end of this year…sit for a moment…think about where you’ve come from mentally, spiritually, physically, financially, socially, relationally, academically, professionally, etc. if things haven’t gone according to your plan…pray and ask God to reveal His plan to you and you may find that your life events may not be going according to your plan…but preparing you for His plan for your life…your purpose.

But whatever you do, no matter how hard things get or seem…do not give up…continue to practice your drill…keep moving…don’t get stuck…you are a soldier…it’s a spiritual battle…and when we have the Spirit of God on the inside of us…because He always wins…we always win…not according to our plan…but always according to His.

Being in a state of gratitude positions us to experience a joy that can't be explained!