Thank God I'm Not What I Used to be...

Sadly, I've heard it said of certain people before, "that person will not make it." Sometimes that person will make it; and, unfortunately, there are other times when the individual will fall and turn their back on God. I have heard it said of me before - 

"Tiffany won't make it. She will give up..eventually. There is only so much a person can take..." 

I used to take those comments as "prophecy" - something that was bound to happen. But now, I take them as a challenge. I won't give up. I may stumble. I may fall. But I will not give up. I am not be where I need to be (not by a long shot), but I have come a long ways from where I once was. 

So many times, we judge ourselves by not measuring up to where we think we need to be. I am not saying we need to be satisfied with where we are at; but what we do need to do, is be thankful to God for bringing us this far. So many people give up after the first difficult step. After the first hint of a trial shows itself, they're out the door. Giving up. If you are still struggling and striving to make progress in your walk with God, you have already come way further than a lot of people. 

Do me, and yourself, a favor today - don't focus on your struggles and your failures; but rather, give thanks to God for bringing you through your trials. Thank God for giving you the power to overcome the temptations that the devil is trying to throw your way. Give God praise - for everything. 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Psalm 34:1-4

I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together. I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.