I am not expected to enjoy non-stop happiness just because I am a Christian.  I battle through one trial only to face greater distress on the other side.  Before I followed God, I remember wondering, “Why me?”, every time something did not go my way.  I felt mistreated by the universe.  I blamed others and never accepted responsibility for actions that created my circumstances.

1 Peter 5:9 is, “Stand firm against him (the devil), and be strong in your faith.  Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.”  (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007).  The more I focus on my problems, the worse my situation seems.  My enemy, the devil, uses my hardships to distract me from God.  I forget He helps me when I cry out.  Instead, I try to fix things and create a bigger mess.

I start by shifting my focus to the Lord.  He nudges me to pray for others to take my eyes off selfish desires.  My eyes are opened so I see others face greater obstacles, making my problems less significant.  I do not have an answer for all my dilemmas, but can rest in the fact that I serve an all-knowing, powerful God who is more than able.  I would rather face difficulty with God on my side than live a hassle free life.  My daily issues are manageable with God on my side.