There was a guy who went through things we can't even imagine. Think of going about your life as an outcast preaching a message. Having a bunch of people on your back questioning every word you say. Then imagine getting beaten; your skin being torn from your back; getting beaten and bruised, then dragging your own instrument of death for miles and being nailed to it. Now imagine those people laughing at you, spitting on you, cursing you. Now imagine thinking "I'm dying for them" and still going on with it, with no regret. If you're living your life trying to find happiness, you'll fail miserably. Life isn't about you or what happens to you, its about serving God. It's about pressing on... and living your life for Him and no one else. No regrets. I'm not sure what you've been through, what you're currently going through or what you're about to enter into... but God is there every step of the way. He never said it would be easy, but He did promise to be there - holding our hand, carrying us when necessary, and guiding us through. We all know that the devil is a punk and good at what he does - but we've got God on our side, so what are we so afraid of? I know life is hard, and can really take us through some rough spots that at the time, seem like we'll never make it out alive - but we must cling to the promise of Romans 8:28 and trust that in God's timing, the beauty will be revealed and that it will work together for good and more importantly, for His glory. We all struggle, that's a given. And we're all tempted and tossed around by the devil's lies... this world tells us that we're nobody - but the Lord says we're somebody! And although the world tells us we're failures and will never accomplish anything - the Word of God says we're more than conquerors and will make it through. You're a dangerous thing to satan. He wants to keep pushing you down so you will stop doing things for the Lord. If satan stops messing with you, you're not a threat to him. So again, I'm not sure what you're going through... but listen to the voice of God - it's there.... listen to the voice of truth and let Him define who you are and who you will be.... What I have always heard is that satan throws everything he can at you, practically screaming all your sins at you and tries to convince you that God doesn't want you. But if you can get past all the doubts and guilt of your sins and listen, really listen hard, you will hear the voice of One who whispers something different. When your crumbled on the ground thinking you really messed up this time and are beyond help, there is One who whispers something completely different. But you really gotta listen. If you listen with your heart and call out for help, you will hear the still, small but mighty voice of God. And do you know what He says?: "I love you. You are completely forgiven, pure, and free. You are My child and I want you to have My peace. I just want to love you. Let me love you please. Bring all your troubles to me and let me deal with them. There is nothing you have done to make Me love you less, and nothing could ever separate me from you. I love you." Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in Onto the crashing waves To step out of my comfort zone Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is And He's holding out His hand But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, you'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the voice of truth tells me a different story The voice of truth says, "Do not be afraid!" And the voice of truth says, "This is for My glory" Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth Oh what I would do to have The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant With just a sling and a stone Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors Shaking in their armor Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed The giant keeps on telling me Time and time again, "Boy you'll never win!" "You'll never win!" But the stone was just the right size To put the giant on the ground And the waves they don't seem so high From on top of them lookin' down I will soar with the wings of eagles When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus Singing over me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth