From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

"I'm done", "It's over", I'm through", "I can't do this anymore!" Ever find yourself saying or thinking that? Of course, as humans we have all been stretched beyond our strength; we reach the "straw that broke the camel’s back" stage.

So, what do you do? Well, you can run away, pretend the situation doesn't exist or, as some do, delve into the false fix of drugs, alcohol and sex.

Whether you are accosted by overwhelming circumstances or physical challenges – or both, you do have another alternative. The sooner you run to the Lord, the better. Neither your circumstances nor your physical situation may change, but how you view, pursue and accept what's happening definitely will.

I'm not talking about denial of your circumstances, delaying the inevitable, or living in a fantasy world of "happy thoughts" and positive thinking. I am talking about an actual strength and wisdom, the kind that you cannot get anywhere else but by trusting the Lord completely and relying on His empowering presence. And God is so very good that even if you don't choose Him first time around, He'll still be there to ease you toward Him so you can enter His rest. Jeremiah 31:25, "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." Endure the fire…it's producing pure gold!

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