Tweet Life is a precious gift. Yes, even with all of the ups and downs, highs and lows. We face some tough stuff. Some of our challenges are caused by ourselves. Some are caused by others. It is important to note the difference, especially if you want to grow.

For instance, I cannot control the behaviors of others. I can however control myself and the way I may or may not react to the things going on around me...This  by the way is like a FULL TIME JOB! I mean it's hard. It is hard enough dealing with our enemies. (talking to myself..)"Am I now saying that I must now make a conscious decision to deal with the enemy within?" No, I'm not trying to be spooky. But think about it, if we don't manage our expectations of how a situation may or may not turn out, If we don't examen how well we are ecalating or deescalating a situation (or our temper for that matter) are we not by default our own enemy?

Philippians 3:12-14 - Even Paul, as mature as he was, did not consider himself to have achieved perfection [maturity] such that he could cease striving to improve. He forgot past achievements and pressed on to greater accomplishments.

Sometimes I feel like Paul when he asked the Lord over and over to remove the thorn from his side. Or like Jesus, when he asked if it was at all possible to remove this cup from me. I must however yield to Gods plans for my life.

He's so committed to us in that way. I want to point out two points of encouragement [and my prayer for us] when we say "enough is enough!"
1.) When we are sick and tired of dealing with the same old stuff: His grace is sufficient
            ~ 2 Corithians 12:8-10
⁸ For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
⁹ And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2.) When you are wondering "Why me!?" Its because he loves you and promised to finish what he started in you on that faithful day that you declared Him as Lord and Savior over your life.
         ~ Philippians 1:6
⁶ Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

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