Best.. or, better?

Would you rather be the best, or make things better?

When I am the best, focus is centered on me.  I get the credit for accomplishments.  My pride is fueled by all that I can do.  I look at others as if their ability is far less than my own.  I am irreplaceable, and no one has the ability to rule my kingdom.  I sit on my personal throne of knowledge, accomplishment, success, and easily rise above the crowd.  When I am the best, what becomes of others?

What if my desire is not to become the best but rather to seek to make things better?  For things to be better, my eyes are not focused on me.  Instead, I look around seeing others and their needs.  The question becomes, “What can they do?  Are they achieving and becoming all that God made them to be? What is it that I can do to build up others so they experience success?”

In the workplace or even at home with our families, what should be our goal?  If each of us strives to be the best, what is created?  Or, is it better to strive to make things better seeing a bigger picture outside of self?  It’s not an easy question to consider.  What is it that God calls each of us to do for success?  What does success look like?  How do you define success?  What brings glory to God?

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.  Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.  Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”  (1Thessalonians 5:11-18 NIV)

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4 NIV)

Burning Bush

“Then Pharaoh gave this order to all his people: “Every Hebrew boy that is born you must throw into the Nile, but let every girl live.”  (Exodus1:22 NIV)

Pharaoh orders all Hebrew boys to be killed.  God’s plans are far greater and overpower any plan of man.  Moses is born.  His mom hides him for three months, and then places him in a basket in the bank of the Nile being watched from a distance.  Pharaoh’s daughter hears the baby crying having compassion, though knowing he is Hebrew.  She instructs Moses’ sister to get a Hebrew mother.  Moses’ mother gets paid to care for her child.  Moses becomes the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.  After Moses grows up, he kills an Egyptian in anger and flees to Midian.

Moses’ life becomes one of peace and comfort.  He is married, with his wife giving birth to a son.  Did Moses forget about the Hebrew people and their suffering? God did not forget the suffering of the people.

Tending the flocks, God appears to Moses in a burning bush and speaks to him.

“The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey… So now, go. I am sending you toPharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

And God said, “I will be with you…”  (Exodus 3:7-8a, 10-12aNIV)

It is easy for me to become comfortable.  I become comfortable in my job, knowledge, ability, people and surroundings.  Change is often not desired being a challenge. The known is enjoyed.  When things shift, I can become fearful.  Will this bring stress or more work?  How will this impact me?  My comfort and complacency shifts to unknown with insecurities and worry.  In the unknown, I must trust God.

God has a plan.  In all things, there is a purpose.  When the shift begins bringing something new, I must remember, “God will be with me.”  As I seek Christ in faith, there are no worries.

Is there a burning bush in your life?  Allow Christ to speak to you through the flames revealing His truth, and allow Him to guide you to accomplish His Will for your life. God is in control.

Waiting….

“The LORD was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden. So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the LORD was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did.” (Genesis 39:21-23 NIV)

Joseph experienced much misfortune.  His brothers sold him into slavery.  After being bought, Potiphar’s wife pursues Joseph.  Despite his loyalty, he is sent to prison falsely accused.  God remains with Joseph.

The Lord brought Joseph success in prison.  After some time, Joseph interprets the dreams of the cupbearer and baker.  The interpretations were shown to be truth.  Despite the gifting, Joseph was forgotten.

“The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him.” (Genesis 40:23 NIV)

Two full years passed.  The cupbearer is free and restored, and does not remember Joseph.

“When two full years had passed, Pharaoh had a dream… Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “Today I am reminded of my shortcomings… So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, and he was quickly brought from the dungeon.”  (Genesis 41:1a, 9, 14a NIV)

Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dream.  He gives glory to God, not in his own ability.  Joseph shows a spirit of humility.  He experienced much waiting.  Along the path of waiting and misfortune, God brought favor and blessings in the most unfortunate of circumstances.

Do you feel that others do not acknowledge all that you have done, that you have not been rewarded fairly, that you have been falsely judged, placed in an unfair situation, or taken advantage of?  Joseph waited two years to be acknowledged for one act not inclusive of the full time in prison.  Don’t forget God in the waiting; continue to glorify His name trusting in His plan.  Trust in God despite all circumstances.

“You are oxygen on a late night drive, To clear my head when hope has passed me by, You are gravity when I’m upside down, You help me find my way back to the ground and this is why… You’re everything good, everything true, When all the world is fading, You’re everything new, You are my eyes, when I can’t see, When all the world is broken, You will always be Everything good, You are all I have, and all I need and all I am is what You’ve made of me…”  (Everything Good by Ashes Remain)

In love?

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV)

Love creates a longing and desire for intimacy.  When in love, the other becomes focus above even one’s own needs.  Great desire fuels longing for the next conversation, next touch, and spending time in the presence of the one loved.  A positive flow of energy energizes thoughts until time is spent together.  The more the other is known, the desire to know is increased.  There is passion, emotion, and energy.  Love is a powerful emotion.

Jamie Grace, in her song, Hold Me sings of her strong love relationship with her Savior, “Well Ya, took my day and You flipped it around, Calmed the tidal wave and put my feet on the ground, Forever in my heart, always on my mind, It’s crazy how I think about You all of the time, And just when I think I’m bout to figure You out, You make me wanna sing and shout, Oo, I love the way You hold me, by my side You’ll always be, You take each and everyday, make it special in some way…”  Are you in love with your Savior?  Jesus loves you! He longs to spend time with you.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”  (Jeremiah 31: 3b NIV)

“In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May Your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in You.”  (Psalm 33:21-22 NIV)

Moment to spare?

“Then he prayed, “LORD, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (Genesis 24:12-14 NIV)

In the book of Genesis, Abraham sends his servant out to get a wife for his son Isaac from his country. When arriving to Nahor, the servant prays the above prayer.  The servant is placing his faith and trust in God to make his journey a success as well he prays for his master (employer).  He is not placing his trust in his own ability, wisdom, or knowledge.  It takes humility to stop and pray, asking for help, knowing that God is the one that has all ability to create success.  If the servant ventured out on his own not taking the time to pray or ask for help, I wonder how different his journey would have become.

As you consider your life, your job, and all that is before you to accomplish, take a moment today to pray.  Ask Christ to help you so that He can provide all wisdom, knowledge and guidance for success.  As well, take a moment to pray for your supervisor(s), manager(s), and company that God will bring blessings.  How would things change if priority was given to always take a moment to pray?

“Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder… The servant hurried to meet her and said, “Please give me a little water from your jar.” “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.” (Genesis 24:15a, 17-19 NIV)

More than Conquerors

“Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her.  But once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.”  ~~Unknown Author

In claims, I can have two people that are near to identical incircumstances.  An injury occurs.  One person will recover quickly, while the other will become disabled for life with an ongoing decline in their condition.  For some, the motivating factor is financial which ultimately causes more harm than good.  For others, their life has been a series of unfortunate circumstances and the mere injury becomes the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’ yet not really the ultimate cause.

The way that I respond to unfortunate circumstances is significant to the impact they will have on my life.  Do I allow the circumstances control? Or, do I see it as merely a small obstacle that my almighty powerful and loving Savior has allowed into my life and He is fully able to guide me, strengthen me, encourage me, transform me, and create something beautiful despite what Isee?

Allow Jesus to be your guide, showing you how to play the cards that He has chosen for your life.  God has a plan!  Jesus resurrected from the dead opening the pathway of eternal life for you and me.  He has conquered the world!  Through His presence residing in me, and as I lean to Him for guidance, I can have that same conquering spirit.  I am called to persevere at all times, even when it seems that the hour is dark.  Trust in Him!  We are more than conquerors!

“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.”  (Hebrews 10: 35-36NIV)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:37-39 NIV)

So Unfair! Really?

In 8th grade, I had a teacher, Mr. Hoffman for geography.  He would not give any student an “A” absent the student performing a year end presentation successfully to the class.  Receiving any other grade did not require the extra effort.  And, making the attempt at the presentation did not guarantee the student receipt of the “A”grade.

There were limited students that made the attempt.  I was one of those students that greatly desired the A.  It was my first presentation.

The day of my presentation, I was extremely nervous.  I stumbled over my words.  My voice did not reach to the back of the room to be heard. I recall unable to stop my knees from shaking.  My visionary aides were not completed in clearness to be seen by my audience.

My attempt still did not earn me the “A” that I so desired.  My straight “A” average was tainted by a “B” despite the best efforts.  At the time, I thought this to be very unfair.  Today, I am extremely thankful for Mr. Hoffman and his stringent requirement.  He challenged me outside of my comfort zone.  The experience is ingrained to never be forgotten.

If it wasn’t for the challenges pushing me into unknown experiences creating great discomfort, I would still be the extremely shy little girl lacking confidence.  Is there something new in your life?  Do not fear! God is with you!  Allow Him to teach you, providing new experiences, so that you are able to grow into the person that He desires you to become.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)

Restoring Presence

Is your day busy?  Are you overwhelmed?  Do you have worries?  Are you consumed?

Take a moment.  Breathe….  Close your eyes.  Be in the presence of God….

Allow the presence of Christ to bring rest to your soul by refocusing this moment.  He is very near!  He loves you!  He will guide you!  He will provide for all of your needs!  He will bring restoration to your soul as you spend time in His presence.

Do you have a moment to be with Jesus?  He is waiting.

“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’ssake.”  (Psalm 23:1-3 NIV)

A New Year 2012

At the end of a year, I begin a process of reflection.  This process of reflection is good as it refocuses my mind, heart, and eyes on what is most important.  It begins with a process of prayer and asking, “God, whatcan I learn from the past year?  What do I desire to document and remember to never be forgotten?  What am I most thankful for?”

At the beginning of a New Year, I have the opportunity to refocus so that I can see Christ in all areas of my life.  This allows me to experience the love and presence of Christ in my life to a greater depth as I allow Him to truly give me eyes to see in the midst of all circumstances.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus…  whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:6-8)

Remaining in Trust

The following is an excerpt from JD Chandlers page on www.klove.com.  Today, on the radio, he shared this story which I have copied below.  Life has its ups and downs, and mudane in between times.  If there wasn’t ever a struggle, we’d never grow, get stronger, or even have a story to tell.  I hope you enjoy the following, and cherish all moments both the good and the bad.  They are all needed.  Everything has a purpose.  So, I remain, “Trusting in God!”

Have you ever seen a palm tree in the midst of a great storm? That tree may be bent so far over that it’s almost touching the ground, but when the wind finally stops, that palm tree bounces right back up. What’s interesting is that while that palm tree is hunched over under the pressure of the storm, it is actually growing stronger!!

The reason God said we’d flourish like a palm tree is because He knew there would be difficult times. He knew things would come against us to try to steal our joy and victory.

God said, “You’re going to be like a palm tree because when the storms of life blow, you are going to come right back up stronger than before.”  Nothing can hold you back! No weapon formed against you will prosper.  As you reflect on the events over the last year, remember, the storms you have encountered have only made you stronger. You are wiser, you are more alive, and you are headed for victory. You’re brightest days are right out in front of you! Always remember that with God on your side, nothing can hold you back!

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 NIV)

Visibility: What do you see?

A co-worker recently shared a serious medical condition being faced.  During her sharing, her eyes filled with tears.  She opened her heart sharing intimate details in trust, though I do not know her well.  She stated, “I’m telling you because you are always very cheerful and caring.”  As she shared, I held back tears. 
 
I know me.  I know the parts of me that still need so much more of Christ.  I know my thoughts, and the actions that I regret at times with the realization that I should have not reacted in a certain way, and instead responded.  I know my sinfulness.  I know when I fall short from the full mercy, grace and love that I should be extending to others.  I know when I’m struggling.  I know my current pain and heartbreak.  It’s hard to know what others see.  Is it possible for me to become invisible so that Christ is very visible? 
 
As she shared, I felt the presence of Christ surrounding us.  In His presence, there is much love.  I felt God speak to my heart, “This is why you are here.  Don’t underestimate my power and presence working in your life to touch others.  I am living in you.”
 
Dear Jesus, I thank you that your grace and love masks my sinfulness so others are able to have an experience of You wherever I go when I walk in humility and let go of control.  I ask forgiveness for the times when I have failed to walk in your light and revealed a side of me that is not glorifying to your name.  Please convict my heart when I am not walking in Your ways.  Help me to always turn to You so that I can always be the light in whatever environment that You choose me to be a part.  I praise and thank You that You are such an Awesome and Loving Father to always be so near.  I praise and thank You for Your love and presence always working in my life.  Amen.
 
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”  (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
 
“I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”… LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will You let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”  (Psalm 16:2, 5-11 NIV)

Sincere Love

Yesterday morning, after paying for my coffee in the drive thru at the nearby Starbucks, I left absent receiving my coffee.  When getting to work, I considered calling to explain what happened.  I could have placed blame to receive a free drink.  Whose fault was it?  I really was uncertain.
 
I returned to Starbucks this morning.  As I approached the drive-thru, I was greeted by name and then the question came, “Did you get your coffee yesterday?”  I explained that I didn’t.  An apology came followed by, “Today, your drink is on us.”  I enjoy going to Starbucks, chatting with the employees, and sharing a bit of life details.  Why do I really frequent this Starbucks?
 
I also enjoy returning to Jiffy Lube periodically throughout the year to get an oil change.  Last week, when I went to Jiffy Lube, I had orange paint on my windows which I was unable to remove after decorating my car for my son’s football playoff games.  I had attempted to scrub the paint off with several products.  When I brought my car in for an oil change, the man asked, “Would you like us to remove the paint from your windows?”  I followed the question by, “I’ve tried.  If you can get it off, I’d be so happy.”  They were able to remove the paint, and they did not charge me anything for their effort.  They also gave me a discount of $8 despite the fact that I did not have a coupon.
 
I tend to frequent the same establishments.  It isn’t really about the product that I purchase, but something much more.  One of my most enjoyed places to go is a family owned neighborhood Japanese restaurant to relax and eat sushi.  My son loves to go with me, yet sometimes I go alone.  Whenever I go, I am greeted as a member of the family.  They ask about my son, my life, and show interest in me.  I do not feel like I am merely a customer, but rather someone that is cared, loved for, not even just a friend, but part of the family. 
 
There is not a price that can be placed at feeling a loved part of a family, regardless if this feeling comes in the confines of your own home, at the nearby gas station, in the drive thru of Starbucks, getting the oil changed at Jiffy Lube, getting your car repaired by the nearby mechanic, buying household goods at K-mart, shopping for appliances at Sears, or even walking into an office environment separated with cubicles.
 
How can God use you today in all your daily activities to show the love of a family to others in your realm of influence?  All of us are in need of more love, both to give and receive.  Love is the greatest gift, and it is wrapped nicely in the environment defined as a family where acceptance and care nurture the relationship.
 
“God sets the lonely in families…”  (Psalm 68:6a NIV)
 
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”  (Romans 12:9-10 NIV)
 
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”  (1Peter 1:22-23 NIV)

Fear Factor

I remember when my son was young.  There were times at night that he would face fears.  Sometimes, it would be a result of a thunderstorm with rain, lightening and thunder waking him in the late night.  There were times that there was no reason at all for his fear.  He would call out to me or run into my bedroom to be comforted.  He found security in my presence, feeling safe, loved, and comforted allowing for the removal of his fear.
 
As an adult, we may not fear a thunderstorm or the darkness of the night.  Though other uncontrollable circumstances can bring fear, anxiety, worries and waken us in the middle of the night bringing stress.  We are God’s children.  He is always near.  In His presence, safety, love, security, and peace is found regardless of any feeling. 
 
There is never a moment that Jesus is not watching over each of us.  Allow this truth to resonate deeply in your soul today bringing great comfort.  We have an almighty, all powerful, holy, and loving Father in Heaven watching and caring for us at all times.  Remember this day, God is very near.  He never leaves your side.  Be comforted by the truth of His love for you.
 
“O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O LORD, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.”  (Psalm 139:1-12 ESV)
 
“Cast your burden on the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved.”  (Psalm 55:22 ESV)
 
“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:  May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.”  (Jude 1:1b-2 ESV)

Completely Loved

Today, the thought that reigns in my mind, heart, and soul is simply, “God I so love you!”  I’m not writing this to be religious, but purely from the magnitude of thankfulness in my heart.
 
Life is not easy.  Relationships, work, families, and so much is not easy.  There is much that is out of my control.  Despite my best efforts, I am far from perfect.  At times, I mess up greatly.
 
Clarity came this morning in the deepest depths of my heart.  God knows absolutely everything about me.  He knows my failings, weaknesses, sin, struggles, and difficulties.  Yes, He knows the good about me as well.  But, the best part is God loves me despite of me.  It is easy to be loved for the good.  To know that I’m loved when completely known, this is the greatest blessing.
 
I am fully known by God.  There are no secrets.  There is nothing that I need to do to earn the love of Christ.  God’s love pours over in much grace and compassion.  He loves completely all of me.  There is no one in the entire world that knows me as Christ does, yet I am still fully and completely loved.
 
My heart overflows with thankfulness, strength, encouragement, and awe at the magnitude of God’s love for me.  And, the best part is He loves you too.
 
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”  (Matthew 10:29-31 NIV)
 
“When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, Your consolation brought me joy.”  (Psalm 94:18-19 NIV)
 
“The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. I will build you up again, and you, Virgin Israel, will be rebuilt. Again you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful.”  (Jeremiah 31:3-4 NIV)

Why Me? Why Not?

Do you have obstacles and difficulties in your life?  They could be frustrations at work or home, conflicts, hurdles, health concerns, financial burdens, or many other types of pressure that can create an overwhelming amount of stress.  At times, these very things can seem to imprison, create great pain, and hinder a person from the life that is desired to live.  If allowed, they can lead to a spirit of pity and hopelessness with the question, “Why me?”  Can you imagine what life would be like if lived absent obstacles and difficulties? 
 
I’m reminded of a beautiful butterfly.  I always find great wonder in the peacefulness and uniqueness of each one when I’m able to visit a butterfly garden.  As I sit still on a bench, the butterflies will come to sit upon me.  I admire their beauty and elegance.  To become a butterfly, much is required.  
 
There are 4 stages that a butterfly must travel.  The first stage is the egg.  Then, the next is the larva when the egg finally hatches as a caterpillar.  The third stage is the pupa.  At the pupa stage, the caterpillar is done growing.  From the outside, it appears as if the caterpillar is resting, but it is actually quite active and rapidly changing inside.  Then, finally, the last stage is when the butterfly emerges from the cocoon appearing as quite a different creation then from the beginning.  If a cocoon is cut open to assist, the butterfly will not survive and will be unable to fly.  If any of these stages are disrupted, the butterfly will never fully emerge.  Each stage has its own difficulty, struggle, and obstacles.
 
What about me?  Could I survive, grow, thrive, or be transformed if free of obstacles?  It is actually the very obstacles and difficulties in my life that transform me, build my character, develop trust and faith, and allow for my life to progress and grow.  Yet, I rarely sit and pray asking and thanking God for that which is likely the most beneficial to my growth.
 
Perhaps, the better question is, “Why not me?”  Am I thankful for the obstacles and difficulties in my life?  These are the very things that God uses to transform me into the image of Christ, if I allow Him to, so that I am indeed beautiful to the world around me.
 
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV)
 
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”  (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)