Guys, life is tough.

I know that first hand because I feel like it has been punching me in the face for the last three weeks. {AND IT HURTS}

I would like to think I am a positive person. I like to spend my day seeing the best in things and being friendly to the people I encounter. I enjoy community and time with friends. And hey, I would like to go as far and say I can spread some serious cheer.

toot toot.. there goes my horn. 

Is it weird if I insert here that I also meant to mention humility? … *crickets*

But guys, let me tell you – life is hard. And if you encountered me within the last 3 weeks, I was anything but these things. If you haven’t heard, let me be the one to tell you –

Following the Lord is tough.

Obeying his commands to not have bitterness or envy is tough.

Trusting that he has a plan for my future is tough.

Waiting for his timing for a husband is tough.

Being a “christian” in this world that chases after flesh is tough.

Don’t get me wrong. No matter how tough this life is, I know I can get through it because I have Jesus. But what happens on those days when we forget? When I forget that the gospel is why I am rescued. I forget that the Lord calls me to die to myself and live for Him. I forget that “His thoughts are not my thoughts and His ways are not my ways.” We try to fight these “tough” battles of life and we leave behind the only one who can defeat them with a mention of His all powerful name. So here is the question:

What do we do when this tough life kicks us to the ground and we can’t seem to get up?

^ GIVE UP ^ ….J/K. Y’all are still with me right?

What do we do when this tough life kicks us to the ground and we can’t seem to get up?

^ DRAW PICTURES IN THE DIRT & MAKE THAT LOW PLACE A LITTLE MORE  BEAUTIFUL ^  Now, thats more like it!

You know, sometimes I love the valley. It’s completely dark, but then a moment comes when He lets you see a glimmer of light to show you the work He is doing. He teaches me so much in the valley, and this time is no different.

This valley is here to humble me to my knees so I could realize the immense measure of how much I need Him.

I realized it when I knew I couldn’t physically walk through a door without a friend praying over me before. Without the Lord guarding me, there was no way I could sit in that room without the devil’s schemes reeking havoc over my brain. And continually, He is still teaching me this lesson. Every day I have the option to choose His way or mine. To choose to His strength or mine. With Him, I can do all things. Alone, I fail. FAIL, BIG TIME. So let’s get to the good stuff…

IT’S TIME TO DRAW SOME PICTURES IN THE DIRT.

Recently, I went to a friends house where I was telling her about some recent struggles. Before I left her home, she asked if she could pray over me and she said these simple words,

“Lord, I thank you for when we are low, you allow us to borrow faith from our friends.”

To borrow faith. It instantly stood out to me. It was heaven to my soul. It IS heaven to my soul. A weight off my shoulders. I can borrow faith from those who surround me and love me and, more importantly, love Jesus.

So, in my valley, I finally found something I could easily {draw pictures} about. My faith lenders – the ones that have allowed me to use their faith when mine has gone dry. This post is for you – to tell you of the things your faith has taught me. I hope someday I can repay you and let you {borrow a little bit of my faith} too.

MEG {WISDOM}

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Proverbs 3:13-18

Change my heart, not my circumstance. Seek wisdom & practice His word.

CLAIRE {STRENGTH}

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him. Exodus 15:2

With the Lord as our strength, we cannot fail. With a friend at our side, we will not fall.

KATIE {FAITHFULNESS}

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does.  The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.  By the word of the LORD were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. Psalm 33:4-6

The Lord is good and all powerful. Because of your humility, I am reminded that the Lord is unchanging, true and always faithful.

LAINS {JOY}

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, & sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Romans 12:1-3

You remind me true JOY and life is found in the Lord – no matter where our boat is.

So whether you are the faith borrower or the faith lender. In the valley or on the peak. I encourage you to look around and see what pictures you can draw {or have been drawn for you} in the dirt. The Lord is always moving so let’s not miss the opportunities he gives us wherever we may be. Let’s gather strength from the Lord, grasp our companions hands, and take control of our days.

It’s about time we start showing life who is boss. 

and i’ll give you a hint.. its not you, its not me, but the BIG G. O. D. 

xx

Han