It's my contention that anytime you go through trying times that there will be a point of no return. Think of it as the crisis within the crisis. This moment is true whether one is a believer or not. Whatever the nature of the trouble we will reach a time of decision. You can liken this to a marathon runner who reaches the halfway point of that 26 mile race wondering if it is really worth finishing. It will seem like everything piles up on top of you beyond anything you could imagine. Shortcuts become very attractive at these times. Giving up may seem like a worthwhile option when this hits. Everything will seem out of focus. It is very easy to lose focus on what matters. Maybe you never thought of it this way but think on it long enough and the truth just may come to mind.

Here is where we find the difference between the mature person and one who just wants to get through the moment. Believers may stop asking the right questions so they answer the wrong ones. For example, you may begin this time of trial asking what does God want to do through all of this. You could start asking how soon will this be over. This is when the shortcuts become a temptation so the pain might be less. A mature believer asks who will I become because God walks with me through this. A much easier question could become what is the fastest way to shorten the trial. This is the difference between having a confession of faith and growing a committed life regardless of the situation. It would be interesting along with perhaps depressing to do some type of survey on how people respond.

How do we make decisions as to our hanging tough in the tough times? Pastoral experience tells me that we often choose the easy over the eternal. People may begin their period of difficulty with every intent to remain faithful. Somehow life has a way of making good intentions become options. We often speak of Job's faithfulness during his journey. Truth is that he ends up wavering as his story unfolds. God does far more than restore his stuff at the end of the story. God reveals Himself in a new and powerful way. Job discovers new depths of His power as well as His care. None of this happens if Job takes the advice of family and friends to just give up too early in the process.

Can we get past this time so we can share Job's amazement in his discovery? You will have to fix your trust solely in God during these times. New habits of life are required to survive. You cannot thrive in trouble while still living the same old way. One of the major things God desires is for you to do more than endure difficulty. He is wanting to deepen the relationship with you. This calls for more than pleasant words or cute cliches. Becoming mature has a raw quality to it. It can take on the feeling of life and death. Will you trust God to fill your life with blessings that are bigger than your burdens? Shakespeare said that to be or not to be is the question. He is right. Look through your issues through God's eyes. Allow Him to shape you by His presence. Never yield to the temptation of the easy. It holds no promise for the eternal. Therein lies the secret of survival. God will always do far more in you than circumstance can take away. My hope is you make this discovery as you move through your journey.

Bro. Trey