I used to want an easy life. I used to think of you know Jesus you’ll stop having problems. God doesn’t make bad things happen. That’s a lie. God is one thing... love. And anyone that doesn’t know that, doesn’t truly know our God. These last 2 years have been the absolute hardest of my life. I cried, I questioned, and I made a lot of mistakes. I used to think if I did enough right, that God would love me more. That would mean that “I” could earn my salvation. If we we were perfect, we wouldn’t need a Savior. Through all of the pain, suffering and hurt, I realize it was just a dying to the flesh. God has to take us places for one reason... to get to a total dependence on Him. It’s not your title, status, money, accomplishments, looks, talents etc... That would set up the possibility of you feeling like you did it. You accomplished it. The major lesson I’ve learned by going through the fire....? I’m completely dependent on God. I can’t do anything without Him and I don’t want to. I know there’s a lot of people going through alotttttt of stuff. I read your messages and thank you for sharing. My advice is Lean on the Lord. Put Him first. Also, Don’t be critical or judgmental towards others. Give them grace. Give them mercy. Give them forgiveness. Because we all want and need those things too. You never know what someone has been through or is going through. Give to others what you need yourself. You need mercy? Heck I do. So now I give extra mercy. You need forgiveness? Heck I do? So now I choose to forgive anyone that’s ever hurt me. The world will lie and say you need to clean yourself up before you can get to know the Lord. That makes people run from God. Instead, Run towards Him with all of your messes. He will give you strength. When we’re weakest in our flesh, we’re strongest in Him. No matter what I’ve been through, I am now more grateful than ever because God was with me the entire time. And that makes me more in love with Him than ever. I pray this encourages someone. And as always..... I love you.