My dear friends out there, when you read the scriptures, everything is not a spiritual high and walking on the clouds hearing God. Sometimes there is silence as you walk out in obedience. Sometimes we enter into desert walks, loneliness, drought, storms, sickness, oppression and betrayal.

I dislike it when walking with God is presented as some kind of drug, sugar high and picture-perfect lifestyle. When you turn on your TV, radio or even log into your social media account and all you hear is sugar high preaching and prophetic hype. But how are they representing the reality behind the pulpit if most of what is seen and heard is a false perception of what following God looks like.

The truth is we go through heaven and hell. Often times, in the darkest hours and trials, we get our deepest revelations that God is with us. In the midst of all the battles, sometimes we learn God is indeed silently observing and testing us.

Let’s consider Apostle Paul’s adventures for the gospel when he served God boldly.

As this is part of his testimony….

Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying. In Damascus the governor under King Aretas had the city of the Damascenes guarded in order to arrest me. But I was lowered in a basket from a window in the wall and slipped through his hands. (2 Corinthians 11:25-33)

Let’s walk with those that are really authentic and transparent in their walk with God.

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” -Job 1:8

Things we go through not only tests our faith but grow our faith.

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

I could write a book about different people that have gone through stuff and then turned around and seen God’s faithfulness in the land of the living.

It’s ok that you’re dealing with something. We all have Goliath´s to face, mountains to climb, and strongholds to take down. That is life on this side of the veil. I thank God for people like you that do not give up or give in!

Don’t write yourself off though you are in battles and struggles! You are stronger than you realize having gone through so much – you stand strong in situations others would easily break. Just look at you! And everything you have walked through, and you are still here!!