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How to keep your faith in hard times

by Catie Martin

There are ways to hold on to your faith even in the midst of disappointments and frustrations. The secret is to remember who you are and where you are going. Realizing that there are other believers to help you on your journey is important . As a person with faith you can be assured that whenever you travel in this life you are never alone.

Focusing on what is positive and good is the answer to the difficulties we all encounter. It is not beneficial to recall past failures unless it is for  the primary purpose of learning and deciding not to repeat them. Being loving involves accepting forgiveness and sincerely desiring not to be a part of the problem by extending that same forgiveness to others.  Give yourself  time to rest and enjoy the blessings you have that can be felt in your heart.

Hard times bring out the creativity in us. As long as we are exhibiting an attitude of gratitude we will be victorious. People who see value in life recognize that adversity is not their mortal enemy. Assurance that we have an all knowing Creator who wants the best for us ultimately brings comfort and wisdom. The joy of knowing that there is a purpose for each faith filled life will enable us to find the solutions to difficult questions.

Reaching out for help is a very humbling experience though at times we all need to do that when times are hard. Family, friends and other compassionate people often appear just like angels in our lives. Knowing who to ask and when to ask can be viewed as experiments in faith and we will find success eventually if we act on our theories.

One response to adversity is to take a praise journey. During this time deliberately consider and express only thankful prayers meditating on what there is to appreciate. Prayers of thanksgiving can completely replace petitions for a length of time and any amount of time devoted to this practice can be beneficial. Perhaps the journey can begin as one day and future journeys may last for much longer. You may even invite a prayer partner to go with you or keep a journal listing the good things that have happened each day.

We are all a part of a great universe and were created to be good to one another. The gifts we offer do not have to be monetary ones. Blessing someone else with time, talents, or a word of encouragement is a way to get our minds of our own problems. By staying focused on the fact that our reason for existing involves being a benefit to each other we will find joy in each other's smiles.

Life is a landscape of valleys and mountains with sunshine and rain. Each aspect of our lives has a meaning. Sometimes we don't know what the reason is for certain events yet faithful people believe in a faithful God. Faith filled people are patient and generous. People who walk by faith see more than what is before their eyes. Their destination is a place where pain, sorrow and confusion is non existent . Those who cherish faith learn to forgive as they have been forgiven. People who find happiness in life are aware that the love they have discovered will last eternally.

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