Way too often, I believe we use our situations as stopping points as to why our faith isn't growing or developing like it could be.

There are points we become too focused on the disappointment, and less focused on Jesus. We begin to say things like, "Well, if only my situation wasn't so hard, " or "Only if my family was easier to get along with," because these excuses seem to give us the easy way out to finding a fix to our problems.

When God revealed this concept to me, it was a pretty big slap in the face. Do you know how many times I've repeated these exact excuses in my head? Probably too many to count!

My problem, was negativity. I let the devil steal my joy, and I began to MAGNIFY my problems. I let my problems become bigger than Jesus. (Haha Bailey, how can you even do that!) Well, it has most likely happened to you too.

Being a Christian doesn't mean that we have everything figured out, but it does mean that we have Jesus to go to when life gets too hectic because we know we can't figure it out on our own. He is our peace, and our resting place. We can't let the devil shift our focus from our initial destination, to disappointment. I've said these things before, and later realized (through hurt) that I was the problem, nobody else was. I was making my problems bigger that Jesus, and I started to become dependent on the fact that I had this under control, and if I preach Jesus, it will just make it all better. I was deeply mistaken.

God revealed to me, that the problem starts in the root. The devil will use everything he can to creep the lies into your mind that you're not good enough, and that you can do this on your own. But, friend, you are the son/daughter of the King of the world, and, the answer to every lie the devil tries to put in your mind.

He says, "You are more than enough to accomplish something in my Kingdom. You are qualified because through your disappointment, I have a destination, and a purpose for your life. I have a plan, and I will never fail you. I have created these rough patches in your life, so that you will learn to look toward me for rest and peace."

God has placed a destination in front of you too important to let the devil rule your thoughts. Jesus wants to see His purpose for your life prosper. He wants to see you fulfill the destination ahead. Don't become too focused on your disappointments that Jesus becomes the little guy. Don't begin to magnify the wrong thing. Begin to magnify Jesus.

Isaiah 40:31
Even youths grow tired and weary. And young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord, will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.