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Hang in there. I had/have gone through some tough times the past 6 years, all could have been avoided if I had some self control. But in 2009 it was the worst in my adult life, laid off, 2 months searching, moved with family to another state for a contract that was then cut short. Interview after interview was a closed door - even a good Christian brother, with whom I wept over the phone, could not offer me at that time. I realized then that God was stripping everything material away from me. I called on His name, He who remains Faithful and True, and He had a better plan. Now that plan moved me back to where I had been living and desired to live, but it only lasted 2 1/2 years. February I got laid off again. But you know what - this time I had my faith ready. I trusted God had me in His hand. And He again opened a door.

I have long since learned that God IS faithful. When you trust Him - He WILL lead you to where you should be. But I wink at the phrase ‘he has something better for you’ - because HIS better isn’t always MY better. My better would be nice house, comfortable salary, new car, spending money, good health insurance, etc.

So I take each day now as thankful for what I have, what I gain, and what way I can be generous.

I know the feeling of having everything material stripped away. I moved with my elderly parents to where the job was and tried to find permanent housing for over a year. Nothing worked — there was even a case of possible fraud on the part of a Realtor that caused the loss of some items of very significant sentimental value. The only bright spot was that we found a fantastic church that supported us in ways that I wouldn't have believed had I not gone through it — Someone even opened their home to us for several months.

I think one of the things He is teaching is to learn to accept help when you need it and don't try to go it alone. Many times the way He shows His presence in our trials is through His people.

And yes, His ways are not our ways — But they are the best ways.