Many people can identify with what I’m about to say.  When I got married, I was making minimum wage. Angie and I moved into a low-end apartment in a not so good part of town.  There was no telephone and no air conditioning. We had a 6 year old car (also with no air conditioning). We didn’t have food stamps, or any governmental help and we were well below the poverty level for 1971.  We were happy but in all honesty we were poor.  It was a struggle. I liked most of the people I worked with, we had family and friends nearby, so even in lean times I suppose life was good.

 

                I look back now and can see that God had His hand on us in a certain way. Not because I was obedient.  In fact, I was in a very rebellious relationship with Him.  But now I understand that He was preparing things so that when I did become obedient, my path, though still a struggle from time to time, led me to where I am.

 

                When I decided to follow His call into the ministry the 14 years of effort, I put into my job allowed me to keep working full time at night as I went back to college.  With the generosity and support of Christian co-workers the two years of 18-hour days were tough, but doable.

 

                I thank God I know what it is like to do with less. I appreciate the people He continually put in my path to affect my life.  I can look back and see how God used the circumstances around me to help mold me into the person I am today.

 

                You see, even though I gave up on God, He never gave up on me.  He will not give up on you, either.  Whatever you may be going through, God can and will use it. Even in tough times, financially or physically, or spiritually, God can impart knowledge and wisdom that will make you better able to minister to others.

 

                Go ahead, be mad with God over your circumstances, He is still there and still working.  I know because I was there.  Feel sorry for yourself because you don’t have all the things you want.  God has a better plan that will follow.  I know because I was there.  It’s ok to have some doubts about what God is doing…just begin walking in His footsteps and your faith will be strengthened.  I know because I was there.

 

                And If I hadn’t been in those places and circumstances I wouldn’t be who I am today. So, trust God, don’t give up on Him, and as always….

 

Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff.