Real people deal with real problems.  There are times that those difficulties are just part of the give and take of everyday life.  You may find other times when those troubles pile up like leaves in East Texas.  We all believe that our trials are the worst.  No one could possibly understand what we are suffering.  Seems there are elements of problems that nudge us to being a bit on the selfish side.  Do not misunderstand me here.  This is the most human of all responses.  It is in our nature to want to be in control of our world.  Troubles remind us that this is a myth.  Being in control of your life is an illusion that keeps you from uncovering new depths of faith. 

This was my day for trying to walk and jog again.  Windy does not begin to describe the weather.  Southerly gales seem to be blowing lately here.  I already mentioned on several occasion that my body is not made for serious running.  My legs are way too short to make any real strides.  My body build surely does not lend itself to doing any great feats on the track.  Going toward the North end of our track was fairly easy today.  Those winds pushed me right along.  But heading toward the South end is a whole other story.  I cannot cut through the wind as some who are smaller can do.  It just almost stops me in my tracks when running that direction.  Everything feels at least twice as difficult when pushing against the wind.  Stress levels rise while fighting against the effects of nature.  No records will ever be broken but the task was completed.

Some individuals encounter times when life is one head wind after the others.  Even believers deal with those moments.  One of the lessons learned in dealing with cancer is that not everyone gets well.  You also learn that being sick does not guard against other problems arising.  You may lastly discover that an unhealthy focus on one problem can lead to other troubles along the way.  We are taught to give our sorrows over to God.  This is hard if you are blaming Him for causing these conditions in the first place.  Resting in God's presence does not automatically mean the end of our questions or our struggles.  But you can turn your focus to Him rather than the trials.  Pain will still be present but you will also have access to greater courage.  You may not receive the miracle so many seem to promise.  You will gain insight into the eternal reality of this life.  Do not allow the problem to dictate your personality.  Let your character be forged in the raw faith of daily living.  It may be as slow as running into the wind but you can finish the task.  No one said life is either easy or fair.  Be sure that our God can meet your greatest heartbreak in His kindness.  If our God does so much to save us then we can be sure He will see us through until the end.

Bro. Trey