Drowning

Drowning

After my stroke 4 years ago, my internist told me, "Pastor, every little struggle you face is a step forward. Don't stop struggling! If you do you'll drown in your own self-pity." If I had of given into my feelings at that time, I would have given up. In fact in some ways I almost did, but those words kept ringing in my ears: "Don't stop struggling!" 

Patience is not about waiting, but it’s the ability to keep a good attitude while working hard on your dreams, knowing that the work is worth it.  So if you’re going to try, put in the time and go all the way.  Otherwise, there’s no point in starting. You may struggle to regain ground, but keep pressing on regardless. Only you can make that call.  

-This could mean losing stability and comfort for a while, and maybe even your mind on occasion.  

-It could mean not eating what, or sleeping where, you’re used to, for weeks on end.  

-It could mean stretching your comfort zone so thin it gives you a nonstop case of the chills.  

-It could mean sacrificing relationships and all that’s familiar.  

-It could mean accepting ridicule from your peers.  

-It could mean lots of time alone in solitude.  
Solitude can be the gift that makes great things possible.  It gives you the space you need to remember where you've been and how far God has brought you back.  

Everything in life is a test of your determination, of how much you really want it, and how your willing to keep on when you feel like giving up. 

If you want it, you’ll do it, despite failure and rejection, and every step will feel better than anything else you can imagine.  You will realize that the struggle is not found on the path, but it is the path, and it’s worth it.  So if you’re going to try, go all the way.  There’s no better feeling in the world than knowing what it means to be ALIVE. Don't give up on yourself. Do like Paul, who struggled with more than one difficultiy, but kept on keeping on.