Dear Family and Friends,

My purpose in writing to you today is to offer you encouragement that will help you through your present "situation." (Yes, I know you have a situation.)

Presently you are dissatisfied with the progress you have made in a certain area of life. Whether it concerns your relationship with God, family or friends, finances, career, health, education, emotions, or any combination of these, each of us are pained by areas that are lacking.

Although we try to ignore it, each of us is a sincere, burning desire to reach our full potential in everything we do. To the degree that we are not moving in the direction of our full potential in a certain area, we are frustrated and discouraged.

But over the last few months, God has graciously revealed to me several simple truths, allowing me to see my "situations" in a different light and press forward with an unwavering confidence and excitement towards the future.

TRUTH #1 - "Don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you." 1 Peter 4:12 (NLT)

There is a process we must experience and endure to achieve every good thing that we desire for our lives. We will undoubtedly face pain that may seem unbearable, but like a mother during childbirth, new life is not possible without pain and a commitment to the process.

TRUTH #2 - "Be cheerful no matter what...thank God no matter what happens." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (MSG)

Instead of wanting to get through the pain, ask yourself, "What can I get from the pain?" What lessons can be learned, and who can I share these lessons with?

TRUTH #3 - "We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next." Romans 5:8 (MSG)

Every situation we face is a necessary experience to build character traits that otherwise would not be developed. Before gold can be sold at its highest value, it must be placed under extreme temperatures to be purified. Similarly, we cannot achieve our highest value without difficult circumstances. These circumstances develop in us priceless character traits such as integrity, honesty, perseverance, and faith. Without the test, there is no testimony!!!

I am confident that God will never give us more than we can bear. We must persevere. A life of joy and fullness awaits us as we allow the pain and failure we experience to strengthen and transform the very core of who we are.

THE BEST IS YET TO COME!

Love,
Edward Paz