Are you facing struggles in your life? Often many faithful believers are baffled by the struggles that seem to hit them one after another. They often ask, what have I done to deserve this? Why am I forced to suffer this extra weight on my shoulders? Has God forgotten me?

Well first of all, God has not forgotten you and He loves you very much. However, the struggles may be part of God's plan for you that are designed to prepare you for your part in His work on earth or it may even be your own prayers that bring these struggles into your life.

Someone once told me be careful what you pray for, you may get it. While I understood what the individual was trying to say, it was apparent that it was not their best choice of words. Remember, the wrong words can often cause worry and concern, which is not God's way. God's word is about edification. When you are doing God's work and not only believing but living His very words, you will be energized with positive reinforcement despite your circumstances. You may see your very world crumbling around you but you remain confident and reassured. I know this first hand.

What the individual should have said was "understand what you pray for". This understanding can bring comfort even in the toughest situations. Have you ever been

involved in a very challenging situation but were not concerned because you understood the process and you knew what would eventually happen? The understanding you had provided the comfort you needed to get through it.

How many of us have knelt down and asked God for wisdom? How many of us have knelt down and asked God for strength? How many of us have knelt down and asked God for patience? How does God answer these prayers? I asked for wisdom and He gave me problems to solve! I asked God for strength and He gave me burdens to bear! I asked God for patience and He made me wait!

How do you answer your child when he or she wants to do better in math? You give them problems to solve and when they're done, you give them even more. No one becomes better in math with solving just one problem and it is a continuous effort that leads to a wiser student. They may not be doing math every day, but they have to keep solving these problems from time to time to retain what they have gained.

Do your kids complain along the way? You bet they do! In fact, if it were not for you insisting that they do the work, they would not be the wiser for it. That is because you know how important it is for them to study, just like your Father in heaven knows how it is important for you. It is using their knowledge from the continuous learning effort that makes them invaluable not only to themselves but to other students, just like you become an invaluable tool for God's work.

How does you child become a stronger athlete? They lift weights and when they achieve a certain amount, they add more weight. Then they continue the process for several months until they see a difference in not only how they perform but how they look. It was not only lifting weights for one day, but for several days and then adding even more weights and the continuing the process for months before they saw a difference in how easy it was to lift the initial weight that they struggled with early on. The Father in heaven has provided you with a workout schedule that may be grueling at first, but if you stick it out you will see how much better you are for it.

So why the preparation? To get you ready to do His work! Maybe your struggles will lead you to start an organization that is designed to help others resolve the same problems. Maybe you will be the strength for others, the way your Father in heaven was and is the strength for you. Maybe you already know because God has placed it in your heart. Whatever the reason I can tell you first hand, disregard your surroundings and look past your problems to God. Keep Him as your compass and you will succeed.

In October 1999 one of the toughest financial times in my life hit and it was apparent that there was no way to recover. So I got down on my knees and I prayed asking God to deliver me from the circumstances. At the time I had no job because I split from my self-dealing business partner, no income and no potential business opportunities. Yet I had many bills to pay.

One day as I was traveling to a meeting to explore a potential business opportunity I came upon a church that had the following words written on their bulletin board, "It's not really faith, unless it's the only thing you're holding onto". I felt a warm feeling come over me and a feeling of reassurance because I realized at that very moment that I had nothing to hold on to, nothing to look forward to and yet I believed that God was going to deliver me from these circumstances. He did! A good friend and pastor once told me, God is never too early but He's never too late. While turning things around started immediately, it took over five years to put most of it behind me.

In November 1999 I incorporated a business name and opened for business in January 2000. The opportunities were almost immediate but the work was long and took me away from my wife and children whom I love very much. I traveled for two years during which I prayed that the travel would end soon. In January 2002 my travel ended with the signing of a new contract that still keeps me from traveling today. My business is growing and I have several employees. I kept a journal during these years and as I read it from time to time, I can see God's hand in every turn of my life during that five year period.

Today I am a stronger and wiser person and more dedicated to bringing God's word to others. Before, although I knew God I was not focused on Him. God got my attention by revealing the true nature of my business partner to me. I then understood that I was relying on everything but God. Today God is my focus and he continues to work in every area of my life. I no longer worry about anything because I totally disregard what I see and focus on His promises to me. I am also more attentive to every business opportunity.

I know first hand how hard it is to break old habits but walking in faith is necessary. I have come to learn how important it is to walk in faith. If struggles are hitting your life, it may be God getting your attention and having you work those muscles of faith. It may be a rough ride, but it will be worth it in the long run. You will be changed forever for the better. Remember, it not really faith, unless it's the only thing your holding on to.

God Bless