"Never mistake temporary darkness for permanent blindness, for today's training is the very process that opens us to see God's glory."
-Francis Frangipane

In my life, temporary darkness or times of extreme stress have always caused me to dig in deeper or start wondering where my faith has been. Sometimes I have felt like I am totally blind in believing for the end of a situation. A lot of times, I have done something that was totally not God and the process would suck the life out of me. What I did recognize in the midst of it all was that I obviously wasn't alone and it had a purpose. The purpose was to push me closer to be the glory of God and to see the glory of God. I was never really blind, but just learning a new level of faith. I encouraged myself in the Lord and kept pushing through the darkness.

If you are going through times of stress such as losing a family member, your finances are running low, you're sick, or you just don't feel like you have found your calling in life; God will answer your cry for help even in the most dark of times. Think about King David's life: he had to run from Saul (1 Samuel 19-23), the very one who had favored him previously. He had to run for his life, even though he was anointed to be king. In essence, you are anointed to be a king. God has created you to be with Him and desires your heart. Darkness can not reign in the life of a God-seeker, or at least not for too long.

Today, as you deal with issues that feel bigger than you are capable of, remember that His glory is only a moment away. This statement by Francis Frangipane says it all, "If you are a God-seeker, except for times of darkness when the Spirit refines your spiritual senses, you should expect to see the glory of God! There should be an anticipation that, any day now-as you enter your prayer room or go for a walk, or in a dream-the Spirit of God is going to appear to you in some marvelous and life-changing way."

In essence, be the glory of God and let Him take you deeper instead of allowing negative or depressing thoughts to rule and reign in your life. God will always lead you into life and life more abundant. Use difficulty for your training, so that you will be more prepared to fight the fight of faith the next round.

~Dedra