You know, I was going to just post an awesome email that I got today, but I think you guys deserve something more! So here it goes.... Throughout life we all go through trials. God allows us to have trials, not for punishment or pain, but for growth and wisdom. If you don't believe me, check out the first chapter of James. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." ~James 1:2-4 I know this. I studied it and claimed it last year. And...well, it always seems like just when you think you've got God figured out, He throws you a curve ball to make sure you're really paying attention. The test is whether or not you can hit that ball or strike out. Well, this summer started off with a boom. I felt like I could conquer the world! Something happened over the summer. I just felt like I was in complete spiritual warfare. I was personally being attacked..at the core. What I mean is, satan was attacking me putting doubt and fear into me. He made me doubt myself and my abilities...even my purpose! I have been miserable... (Before I go on, I just want to point out that when you grow in Christ, there will alway be testing. In the words of Heath Graham, "A devel at the next level." Spiritual growth requires some "skill"...skill is earned through >>perseverance<<.) The thing about God is that He is always faithful!!! Lately I have been trying harder and harder to seek God. I've been "praising Him the storm." I felt like giving up at times, but God saw me through it. We had a XA service this Tuesday. I went there with the intent of meeting God face to face! I was determined to be real with Him....to seek His face, not just His hand! I can't really explain it, but that service was awesome! I mean, it wasn't even the service...it was God! He moved my heart and stirred in me the way I'd been longing for Him to do all summer. I was and am truly blessed! Yesterday was incredible! God spoke to my heart throughout the day, confirming some answers and speaking to my heart. I had been feeling so useless as far as the fight for lost souls goes, but God proved to me several times that I'm not useless. I'm His tool of choice! (and you are too!) Rivers of living waters...yes Lord! Gosh, there's so much more that I would love to share, but I really should go now. I have band...haha. I just hope that in some way, these words help you. If you are going through a trial, know that it is only for a short while and that God will bring you through it. Think of it this way...God is your source, your River if you will. A river is a strong powerfull source of water. It will be stopped at some point by something, but it will make its way around that obstacle...or it may disappear only to reemerge later as something bigger and even more powerful! Don't doubt! Look to your source for He has never left your side! Let the river flow! "The One who sent me is with me, He has not left me alone...." ~John, 8:29 Yes that was Jesus speaking, but God sent us here with a purpose! He is with us too. "Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit with in me. Do not cast me from your presence, or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." Psalms 51:10-12 | 
