2 Corinthians 1

Often times, I am caught up in the activities of the day that i forget to give thanks to God for giving me another day to do these things. We need to be like Paul. Before starting anything for the day, Paul always opens up with a prayer of thanksgiving and the glorification of God - seeking to gain strength and wisdom from God. Humbleness. I need to be reminded more that the successes of my life are not mine, rather a guidance and gift from my Heavenly Father.

Reflecting on the various trials and tribulations of the past year, I realized at the end of each of them, God's righteousness became so much more apparent. God shows his nature and reminds me, "You are my child and I love you" and that he is my healing counsel and comfort.

God puts us on these roller coaster rides to remind us that he is a powerful God; however, he would never gives us more than we could handle. It's almost like a reminder to awaken us from our apathy and remember God should be reigning in and throughout our lives. Our sufferings and encouragements are experienced in union with Christ.

A friend always reminds me to "fight my heart." It's fighting the desires of your heart when they are not the desires of God - or to even pray seeking to understand what God desires for you.