Struggles Redefined

I'm really beginning to appreciate my struggles.  They have led me to this exact moment in my life.  I've always wanted more out of my life but my approach has always been one dimensional.  Now I understand the reason for my struggles and I am proud to say that I have and am learning from them.  We have all been through something.  We have wondered how are we going to make it through this or that.  We have prayed, wished and hoped for something better.  The problem with the praying, wishing and hoping is that once we don't receive the answer that we want when we want it, we stop doing all those things.  We stop depending on God and we begin asking family and friends for guidance.  What we forget is that our family and friends have their own issues and problems to deal with.  So sometimes we are listening to their advice not realizing that they are giving it from their own situations.  You know they are saying, "this is what I will do" instead of giving the advice that caters to your situation.  I'm not saying the advice is not good, I'm just saying the advice may not be intended for you to hear.  And because we gave up on God, we are often taking advice from someone not qualified to give it. 

For instance, you ask a friend or family member for relationship advice and they haven't had a relationship in years.  The advice they gave you will automatically come from their viewpoint.  I'm not saying the advice is bad, I'm asking, are they even qualified to give you that kind of advice?  The answer is...probably not.  Now you have taken the advice of someone who tells you that being in the relationship is not a good idea.  Guess what? You are now single.  Think about the entire situation you are in and then review the conversation you had with your single friend or family member.  I know you are probably contemplating what just happened. 

What I have learned is that it's okay to ask for advice from someone but just make sure they are qualified to give you the right kind of advice.  After getting their advice you still must be able to listen to what God is saying.  Sometimes the person who gives you advice is telling you to leave while God is telling you to stay because your breakthrough is coming to meet you.  I love giving advice to people but I make sure I know how to give that advice.  I never say what I will do because I never know what I will do unless I'm in the situation.  Instead I give them options and I tell them that they have a God given ability to simply Pray and wait for his response. 

I have honestly learned that struggles are just road maps to a better life.  Sometimes we have to take the alternate route called change.  I am changing and I know it's because my breakthrough is fast approaching.  I want to be prepared for everything God has in store for me.  I keep a smile on face and positive thoughts about life on my mind and in my heart.  Even if I am presented with a setback, I know I will be better prepared to handle it.  I am always talking to God but I stopped telling him my plans.  LOL!!