Recently, I heard one of the coolest stories I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS!!

In a nutshell, this girl I met is from another country and she grew up poor (no shoes or food kind of poor), but persevered against all odds until she now has a college degree (in Physics of all things), has a fantastic job and is able to support her family of ten in her homeland country. AHHHMAZING!!!

The story itself was awesome.  However, what caught my attention is that in the middle of telling it she said, “God didn’t give me everything I wanted while I was struggling so hard, but He did give me the strength to endure it.”

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. Hebrews 12:3

First of all, I don’t know many people who would come up against a brick wall (like this lady did on SEVERAL OCCASIONS) without turning around with their tails between their legs and running off to lick their wounds…me included.

Secondly, I don’t really think I know many people with the gumption to even start the process of change.

Change is hard.  Change can hurt.  Egos can get damaged.  Fears are larger than life.  It’s easier to stay in our pit.

Moreover, what happens if we decide to finally “GO FOR IT” and we hit the brick wall of rejection, defeat, elimination, or setback?

On one hand, I think starting the process of change is the hardest thing to do, but on the other hand quitting seems so much worse.  Talk about feeling beaten and crushed!?!?!?!

Sure did try hard, but failed anyway!  UGH!!!!

Brick walls are everywhere.  They are in our jobs, homes, schools and heads.  They are loud and obnoxious, as well as quiet and subtle.  Brick walls can come in many shapes, sizes and forms.  However, they are always steeped in the doubt that WE WILL NEVER MAKE IT (whatever “it” may be).

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. Matthew 21:21

What’s your faith looking like these days? Do you believe you can do all things through Christ?  Do you even try?

These are difficult questions because we may not like our answers.

I can tell you that after hearing this lady’s story of struggle, I will never be the same.  The account of the many obstacles and her perseverance has encouraged me and strengthened my faith in God’s Mighty Hand.

I hope you will look at the brick walls in your life differently from now on!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 18:15 – An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

*Image courtesy of “Spotlight On The Brick Wall” by gubgib/FreeDigitalPhotos.net