Yes, I am still alive

I am reminded of a quote from one of my favorite speakers, John Maxwell, who says, "The road to the next level is always uphill." I can't believe it's been so long since I posted on here, and I apologize to those who read regularly.

Moving to another level is hard. When I decided to leave the comfort and security of a guaranteed salary, an office, a computer, phone, and pretty much everything paid for - for a commission-only-I-pay-for-everything-now occupation, I had some idea of how hard it would be to get things moving. It has been 2 months now, and I am just beginning to create some momentum.

Motion creates friction - forward motion is always met with force and resistance that is always much greater in the beginning than it is once motion is in progress. Romans 5: 3-4 tells us, "...but we also glory in tribulations (Great affliction, trial, or distress; suffering; an experience that tests one's endurance, patience, or faith), knowing that tribulation produces perseverance (Steady persistence in adhering to a course of action, a belief, or a purpose; steadfastness); and perseverance, character (moral or ethical strength); and character, hope (the theological virtue defined as the desire and search for a future good, difficult but not impossible to attain with God's help)."

It's difficult to see sometimes beyond our circumstances. Sometimes positive things appear so far away when we are surrounded with adversity. I wish I could say that being a Christian makes things easier to go through, or that because of Christ, I always stand faithful and remain positive. Or that being a Christian means that I am never weak in faith. On the contrary, the weakness of my faith is why I need so much to rely on the One who is the root of my faith, and who remains faithful, even through my circumstances. God is not demanding the strength of a thousand warriors to get me through. He is looking for faith "the size of a mustard seed" to move the mountains of my circumstances.

My weakness is what makes God strong - and the evidence is when mountains are moved, and seemingly impossible circumstances are changed for the better. Thank God for grace - it's what gets us through.