Not everyone who reads what I write has a life like I do. I have been rebuked for the way that I share what I feel, what I go through, and the struggles that I battle on a daily basis. Over the past few weeks, life has been more challenging for me than it has in a long time. There are things that I have had to work through that only a few might understand and even fewer care about. I consider myself a strong person, but I have come to learn my limit of how much I can take. There have been things that I dreamed about for years and prayed fervently for that have never come to pass and most likely never will. There have been days recently that I have felt defeated by the world and abandoned not only by those that say that they care for me and my family, but by God as well. In all reality my life has always been demanding, but with the current challenges of life, it has gotten to the point where I am just done, and in all reality, being done is a good thing…I’m done stressing over things I can’t control. I’m done worrying about what other people think of me. I’m done comparing myself to others and what they have accomplished and I have not. I’m done beating myself up for making mistakes. I’m done trying to please everyone else. I’m done feeling like I am not good enough. I’m done trying to make people care about me. I’m done caring for those who could care less if I am around or not. I’m done running after those who won’t even walk with me. I’m just done. I’m sick of getting my hopes up for nothing. When I am lied to, disrespected, and treated like I don’t matter, I’m done. I pray fervently what is written in  *Psalms 57:1 Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious and merciful to me, For my soul finds shelter and safety in You, And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge and be confidently secure Until destruction passes by. 2 I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan].* I read, “Sometimes we create our own heartbreak through expectations”. I know that I have. Some of my biggest regrets are being nice to those who take advantage of my good nature. Apologizing when I didn’t do anything wrong. Most of all, making people who are unworthy to be a priority in my life, a priority in my life. Emotionally, I’m done. Mentally, I’m drained, Spiritually, I feel defeated. Physically, I’m tired. At the end of it all, I hear a still small voice saying, “But God, But God.” And then, I smile, because I am thankful in knowing the truth and trusting in a God, Who is “Not Done” with me. He encourages me to endure and carry on to fulfill His purpose for my life no matter what happens, by encouraging me to encourage others. He also reminds me quite often that the strongest metal is forged in the hottest fire. We will all face difficulty and adversity at some point in our lives. But there are those really tough situations, “the crucibles” life puts before us that truly forge our hearts, character, & integrity…the crucibles that forge us through crisis to help us become more like Christ! So with that, I submit every aspect of my life to God, and whatever comes next, good or bad, may I glorify Him through the process, be empowered by the Holy Spirit to endure, and trust in the Lord Jesus to remain steadfast to complete my purpose in His plan. Amen. pastor.blog