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Ah! Spring is in the air! This time of year, the wind blows a crisp
yet warm breeze that makes you wish for those lazy summer days
while at the same time being grateful for the end of the long, cold
winter. The sun is a bit brighter; the sparrows are singing louder,
and fresh leaves and flower buds are appearing everywhere. Before plan that was uniquely designed before I was formed in my mother's womb.
you know it, the flowers will bloom, Easter will come, and the kids I know the Holy Spirit allowed me to see our perfectly imperfect world, how
will be getting ready for the end of the school year; summer will God trusted man to look after His creation, and how often men take for
be here, and soon after, another year will have gone by seemingly granted that the sun only burns so hot and that the ocean only comes so
without a hitch. far. I then started to seek supporting evidence for my "I can't quit" attitude,
and I found that the Apostle Peter had already left us the following reminders:
Don't you wish every cold, dark, and dreary moment of your life
was over just as quickly as springtime comes and goes? Why is it 1st Peter Chapter 5
that when we are in pain or suffering a loss, the days and hours ■ There is a crown of glory that does not fade away (v-4)
seem to go on and on like the "energizer bunny," but when we are ■ Stay humble and respect your elders (v-5)
having fun and at peace, time flies in the blink of an eye? ■ Be aware of your surroundings and know that the devil is a liar (v-8)
■ Know that after the suffering, God will strengthen you (v-10)
I have often asked these questions, and I cannot say I have the
answers, but I can tell you that life has taught me there is peace In 2nd Peter Chapter 3, we are reminded of the following:
and joy in the valley of desperation. It is difficult to see when we ■ That God's timing is not like ours (v-8)
focus on the circumstances at hand, but it is very simple to know ■ God is not slack concerning His promise (v-9)
if we stay focused on the truth in God's word. I can personally ■ All earthly elements will be dissolved (v-12)
attest to this as a survivor of abuse and domestic violence. There These are just a few reminders or key items to keep in mind when you're
was a time in my life when I found no joy or peace no matter what faced with adversity. Our Lord loved us so much that He gave His only Son,
I did, where I went, or whom I turned to. I failed all my classes at Jesus Christ so that we may have abundant and eternal life. Through Jesus
school, and I could never do my chores just right at home, so I Christ, we have restoration of the following:
often wondered why I was even trying. Yet still, there was always
a reminder that tomorrow could be better, so no matter what I did, ■ Lost time (Joel 2:25)
I just had to get up and try again. Fast forward a couple of decades, ■ Joy (Psalms 51:12)
and I was able to graduate at the top of my class while raising my ■ Health (Jeremiah 30:17)
children and caring for my grandmother and my mother. My bed
wasn't made at home, but I could provide for my family. I didn't If you are in a difficult time right now, I challenge you to seek out the truth
have straight A's at school but was often on the Dean's List. in the Word of God. We have a promise of restoration of all things that
Nonetheless, no one was around to give me an "Ata girl" or God promised (Acts 3:21). I guarantee you will find that all these things
encourage me not to give up. This was also a source of pain as shall soon pass, and the Word of God will not return void. You will quickly
still nothing seemed to be good enough. see how you can praise God during these times and find yourself filled with
inner peace and a supernatural strength powered by the Holy Spirit that
One spring day, I was walking on the beach and marveling at God's will allow you to go through this valley, knowing that God will get the glory
creation when I suddenly realized that His purpose for my life in the end. Your testimony will help others find peace and joy in our Lord.
depended not on the circumstances surrounding me but on His So continue to stay grateful, stay humble, and be blessed!

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