OMG!!!

Don't you just love those times that you feel so close to God, that even though you are in rough circumstances, you feel his presence, his strength, helping you? Usually this time comes with a period of intense struggling. God says he will never tempt us beyond what we are able, but this doesn't make the time go by easier. It is especially hard when it seems your problems are only occurring because of a certain individual. It seems so justified to act like a jerk, or be unkind to someone who has hurt you, and you really want to, but God is right there, touching your heart and letting you know he has called you to something higher. Sometimes it means taking the first step or daily praying (or hourly) to help you deal with that one person who is hurting you or driving you crazy. But it comes through and you see prayers answered!!! Or maybe finances have you stressed, or other life decisions and you just want God to be there, helping you to have the joy He talked about. Man, when you finally get it, it feels so good! 

Today has just been an amazing day! I've had prayers answered, surprise gifts in the mail that we knew nothing about, peace was flooded into my heart, and I got a part-time job! It is so crazy how everything seems to respond to God's time...not ours. This job will be great! The hours are good, I will still have all my evenings free as well as most weekends. I will be starting at Great Harvest Bakery tomorrow! I was also able to speak to a toxicology professor today and help solidify some of the issues with grad school. I love these times!!

I want this to be just a little note of encouragement to those out there, that God does answer prayer and that God does care and is not abandoning us! He is always there, and is always ready to help. Most of the time it is us that just wants the "magic pill" to get us out of a difficult situation, but sometimes we actually have to work for the things we need/want. Faith is the biggest part of this and it isn't always easy. That is what Hebrews 11:1 tells us, that "faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Faith is praying and hoping in the Lord, and we might not always see it or we might have to wait, but God is powerful and in control.