Keep Pressing Through... the Hard Times!

Every other day or so, I receive a "Vitamin" from a friend. It is mainly Bible based thoughts to help readers through difficult times... And we all certainly have those challenges every day. A few months ago, I got a powerful one that says:

"We all go through seasons of difficulty that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But during these times, we have to remember that Almighty God is greater than the struggle we face! He'll take those challenges and use them to strengthen us, but we have to do our part and get into agreement with Him. Think about the caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly. When it's wrapped in its cocoon in the dark on the backside of some tree, it doesn't look like it has many options. But after it becomes a butterfly, it doesn't just sit waiting for someone to come and drill a hole and let it out. No! That butterfly knows that it has to make a move if it's going to be set free to fly. In the same way, we have to do something to get out of the confining places we are in. We have to pray, we have to believe, and keep pressing through to victory. Today, no matter what you may be facing, remember His grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in you. Keep believing, keep praying, keep hoping, and keep pressing through. Before long, you'll break free and rise to the new levels of victory God has prepared for you." -By Joel & Victoria Osteen

I think we need that focused attention on our goals and dreams, not paying attention to obstacles. And start seeing obstacles as opportunities to discover a new, more exciting path toward that goal/intention we have. Of course, this entails that we are not fixed with our plan on how to get there... we have that goal/dream, but we are open on the different ways to achieve it, based on the different experiences that start coming to our lives.

Sometimes I feel I give up on my desires too quick. But when is it enough? When is it enough to keep trying to make a relationship work, or a job to be satisfying, or for a friend to be more compassionate towards us, or for a dream to come true? When do we know when to stop trying for something? How do you differentiate between obstacles and the universe or God telling us that that's not the way or what we need?

There's a fine line between keep pressing through and stubbornness, but I have learn that what matters is our capacity to keep the hard work with faith in God's will while letting go of our need to control the result of what we do. It took me 11 months to get a job in California and move. During that time, I had to put up with a lot at work... felt like humiliation at a certain point. But I kept praying every day asking God to make his will in my life, begging for patience and endurance. I kept applying to jobs, going to interviews, and trying to do my work the best I could. Eventually, after 10 months or so, I remember vividly that afternoon I was driving and I spoke to God saying something like, "God, I think it's time to stop trying for a bit... I will not apply to any jobs for 2 months so I can rest, and if it's not your will for me to go to California, please take this desire away"... I got a a job offer the next day. Unbelievable!

Have you had any similar experiences? Please share.