Life. It has a funny way of taking turns and twists you never imagined.

Sometimes, when you are at your lowest, a sudden event picks you up. Other times, when you are riding a high, a sudden event reels you back into reality. Sometimes the struggles seem to overwhelm us as we attempt to walk a little closer with the Lord.

Of course, those of us with a belief system know the tugs and pulls are orchestrated for our good over the long haul … to keep us grounded and to keep us focused on the Lord — yes, even in those dark moments.

Right now, I am being challenged. Over the past few months, some of the goals I sought started slipping away. More recently, my health and the health of my family has been under attack. And I can’t help but feel the slings of Satan — especially as I have attempted to convert this space into a more God-glorifying spot.

I have to be honest, in those dark days of doubt it is easy to question the presence of God. And there have been many who have fallen away precisely because of the trials and tribulations they were presented with.

But I also have to be honest and say, for me, Satan’s slings guide me closer to my Lord. At my lowest times, I realize I have no where nor no One to rely on but God.

That doesn’t minimize the hurt, but it does put it in perspective. It’s part of the “surrender” part of being a Christian.

THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: There is no success without sacrifice.