Entering a new stage of growth

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. Jeremiah 20:7


I used to believe that my relationship with Jesus would bring me success in this life. I used to feel as though He had blessed me with answers to my prayers. I trusted Him to always protect me from harm. Then suddenly, one day all of that changed. When tragedy struck, it seemed like He was quiet. The harder I struggled to regain my status, the more clear it became that He was opposing me. I cried out to Him, but I could not feel His answer. At least not the answer I wanted.

"For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me." Psalm 38:2

"The arrows of the Almighty are in me, my spirit drinks in their poison; God's terrors are marshaled against me." Job 6:4


But He had not left me. He was very patient, despite my anger. He was beginning to lead me to a place I did not want to go. When I searched through the Scriptures however, I began to discover many of the saints had walked this path before me. I began to realize how shallow my faith had been.