Is It Just Me?

So many times I ask myself, "Is it just me?" when I'm going through difficult situations, trials, etc. I often feel like it IS just me and no one else has ever or will ever experience anything like it.
NOT TRUE.

Apparently, the devil is not picky choosy when it comes to who he frustrates, irritates, messes with, or picks on. Honestly, it's a great feeling to know that I'm not alone. Lately, I have been hearing story after story from friends about how they are fighting just one thing after another. The only thing I can think to say is we must be doing something right!

I know that the major lessons to learn through trials are perserverance, patience, love, understanding....the list could go on and on here. However, when you are in the midst of them, it doesn't feel that way, and often you can lose sight of the lesson.
As for me, I am still in the middle of spiritual battles (and hope to always be, otherwise I am useless in the kingdom), but I can safely say I know there is always a solution---a light at the end of the tunnel. The best thing I can do is to not focus on what emotions my battles are causing me. Instead, I can become that encourager for a friend. I can give the old "keep your head up, this is just a trial period in your life" speech if I so choose, but I really want others to know that it isn't just fancy words to help you get through. These times ARE just temporary. We CAN keep our heads up and press forward. We do have other choices, but what would that accomplish?

I once heard it said by a pastor at one of the churches we used to go to, that unless we learn the lesson or understand the situation we are presented with, we will continue to go around the mountain until we do (paraphrase). Basically, it's better to keep fighting and win rather than give up and have to repeat the process later. And, if in the event you must repeat the process, it becomes that much more difficult to conquer.

Really that has been the biggest lesson I have learned in the past 4 years---finish what you start when it comes to spiritual warfare. Use the knowledge and power that the Spirit has given you and go forward. Don't give up and make it harder on yourself later.

If you are one of those Christians that has an understanding of a situation that a brother or sister is going through, USE it to give them a boost of confidence and reassurance that they are not alone.

It isn't JUST me, it isn't JUST you. We are not alone.

"Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy." James 5:10-11