We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

II Corinthians 4:8-9

But not.

We’ve all been there. Those places or seasons where we feel like there’s just not much more we can take. When we wonder what in the world we are doing wrong for such unfortunate circumstances to come upon us. I’m guilty.

I wish I had all the answers for you but I don’t. I wish I could explain why bad things happen to good people but I can’t. What I can tell you is that God is always faithful. What I can tell you is to be thankful because it could be worse. There will always be someone else out there that wished they at least had it as good as you.

I have been without, but not for long. I have felt like I was all alone, but not for long. I have been without money, but not for long. I have felt like I was on the bottom, but not for long. I have been sad, but not for long. I have been without a fridge, but not for long. I have been without a needed pair of shoes, but not for long. I have been without an iron, but not for long. I have been without a vehicle, but not for long. I have felt like the victim, but not for long.

Each one of these is tied to a personal testimony of God’s faithfulness. Over and over, God has proven Himself and His faithfulness. He has provided and worked situations out that I thought was nearly impossible. You know what? Let me just brag on God for a while.

I have been without, but God has always provided in His perfect timing. I have felt like I was all alone, but God was always there. I have been without money, but God moved on someone to send a check in the mail. I have felt like I was on the bottom, but God lifted me up. I have been sad, but God gave me happiness. I have had to live a month without a fridge, but God moved on a group of people who felt like meeting the need. I have had to go without some good shoes before, but God moved on a sister in the church to give me a pair. I have had to go a while without an iron, but God worked it all out for a new one to just be handed to us. I have had to hitch rides to work before, but God worked it out for me to get a vehicle. I have felt like everything was against me, but God let me know that He was for me.

I understand what it’s like to go through hard things and tough trials, but I also understand what it’s like to have a peace that passeth all understanding.

But not.

We will face things in life; it’s inevitable. We will have to suffer, but not for long. God will always come through. We will feel like that there is absolutely no way out of whatever situation we get in, but not for long. God will always show us the way. We will be tormented with fear, but not for long. God will always let us know that we are not forsaken. We will feel low, but not for long. God will always pick us up and keep us from destruction.

But not.

I Samuel 30:6 says that, “…David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.” I feel like that sometimes that is probably the wisest thing to do. Instead of focusing so much on the bad, try focusing on the good. The best way to encourage yourself and boost yourself is to think of all the positive things. Think about all the things that God has done and kept you from. Yes, we all will go through things, but at least God will always be that Friend that sticketh closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24).

Jesus said in Mark 10:27, “…With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

I may be down for a little while, but don’t count me out! It may seem completely impossible, but God is still writing my story and it ain’t over yet! I may be walking slow, but I’m still moving!

Life — it’s difficult and confusing, we may feel mistreated at times and discouraged: but not always full of pain; but not always hopeless; but not always feeling abandoned; but not always knocked down — but God.

How many times have we faced situations in life that could have been so much worse, but God!? God is always right there, willing, and ready. I think I’m gonna choose to be thankful through it all. Yeah, it may be looking pretty bleak, but not for long — but God! God knows what He’s doing and that’s all that matters. We must simply depend on Him and thank Him for the good things. That’s just a couple things He is longing for from us — dependency and thankfulness.

Whether it be spiritual or material, it all matters to God.

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

I Peter 5:7

But not.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;

II Corinthians 4:8-9