Struggles are exactly what I need in my life. But that's not what I prayed for! No, I prayed for a South Pacific island with a hammock, a glass of lemonade and someone fanning me! But that's not what I got. God gave me what I needed. 

        Instead I was given difficulties to make me strong.

       Problems to make me wise.

       Obstacles that taught me how to overcome and build courage.

       God placed troubled people in my path in order to teach me how to love, find patience and develop godly sympathy.

       When I asked God for favors he gave me opportunities. I have received nothing I wanted but yet I have received everything I needed.

       If I were allowed to go through life without these obstacles, setbacks and disappointments, it would have crippled me. Just like a butterfly helped unwisely out of it's cocoon. I would not be as strong as I could've been. I would have lacked godly wisdom and ended up a pampered, spoiled, weak Christian.

       But that's not my God. He has answered all my prayers through the struggles of my life. His providential hand and His wise heart knew exactly what I needed.

       Thank you Lord for making me strong!

Strengthened by struggles,

Jim