Psalm 43:5 – “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”

When you workout, do you use those old-fashioned he-man and she-woman free weights, or do you use the newfangled electronic “progressive resistance” machines? Either way, the concept is the same–without resistance, without a load, you cannot grow stronger. Without resistance, you might as well just sit in a chair and slowly let yourself go.

This illustration, explains why your life is so hard and challenging at times. Some of the hardships you experience in life, are not because God doesn’t love you anymore or because God is losing His grip on reality or has lost track of your issues. No, that’s not it at all. God allows them in your life to provide resistance, so you can grow stronger. God does some of His best work in your life in times of crisis. That’s how He changes you, grows you and transforms you into what God needs you to be.

Stop arguing with God, because God knows exactly what God is doing. Right now, take a deep breath and say these words, “Lord, I surrender my life to you. Starting today I promise to see my struggles and hardships as opportunities for your work and my growth. Make me stronger! Increase my faith…because I know that ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE THROUGH YOU AND WITH YOU!”

About the Author

Pastor Eric Todd Sr. is the son of Rev. and Mrs. Charles L. Todd and is the eldest of four children. As an adolescent and young adult, Eric was actively involved in numerous church related activities of servitude, such as, being a Youth Mentor, Outreach Coordinator, Youth Leader and an Ordained Elder. Since accepting his calling and ordination, Eric has held the positions of Executive Pastor, Youth Minister and served on the Finance Committee of the church. Some of Eric’s current social involvements include Students First of Georgia, Real Men Read of Atlanta and The Atlanta Mission-Ending Homelessness.