I feel someone needs this today. Love yourself enough to make the necessary changes.

Child of God, you may sometimes think everything is falling apart, but in reality, if you are seeking God's will in your life, everything is falling into place.

It's just that sometimes there are changes that need to take place in our lives and that's why it feels so hard right now. We don't always like change, so sometimes we resist and delay it. However, the longer we resist the changes that need to take place, the harder life will seem. We'll just continue to stay stuck and feel stuck.

I learned a long time ago, when there was much suffering in my life, that it is far better to face challenges head-on, then try to avoid them at any cost. That's what I used to do. Not anymore, because I learned from my mistakes. There are lessons that need to be learned, before we can move forward in life. What is God trying to show or tell you? If you're miserable, then he's trying to tell you that there are changes that need to be made in your life. If that is the case, it is best to pray to God and he will show you when the time is right to make the necessary change(s). You never want to get ahead of God, because timing is everything, when it comes to following God and for a good outcome.

Sometimes we carry burdens that don't need to be carried on our shoulders. Jesus said give me your burdens and I will carry them for you and help you make a better plan. They are not yours to carry. Sometimes we get stubborn, because we fear change. But issues cannot be resolved, if we stay stubborn. Dare to trust God and step out in faith, and you will see that God will be there to catch you. This is the way we grow our faith, by trusting God. The longer you put off making the necessary change, the longer you will be miserable.

You can mask the problem all you want and brush it under the rug, but it will still be there to deal with the next day. In fact, it will be there until you ask God to help you resolve it. It will not resolve on its own. Try to forget it and move on with your life, anyway, and you are doing yourself a great disservice and injustice. You are stifling your growth and faith in Christ. It's true that you can move on and stuff it in the back of your mind, as you try to forget it, but every time you think you're making progress and get to step three, you will inevitably have to take three steps back, until you learn the lesson and resolve it with Christ's help and guidance. It's really up to you. You can repeat this process a dozen times or more, even years, but until you face it and step out in faith, you'll simply stay in the same place of misery.

It's okay to be afraid. There was a time when I was so afraid, I literally shook from head to toe, like a leaf in the strongest wind. But you know what? I learned that it's okay to be afraid. It doesn't mean we can't do what we need to do. We can still, with prayer and God's help, step out in faith in the face of fear, anyway! If you're afraid, it doesn't mean you're a coward. It just means you're overwhelmed and burdened; that it is imperative that things change in your life, if you want to be happy, but you can still trust God to see you through and He will, just as he has me, many times.

Step out in faith, anyway....even if you have to do it afraid. It takes guts and real courage to step out when you are afraid. Faith is not for sissies, as some might claim. It takes bravery. God will give you the strength and courage you need at that time, even in your most fearful moments. I can testify to that. God will reward your faith. He will be right there to hold your hand and see you through. He will never leave you, nor abandon you. It's so much better on the victory side, once you step out in faith. It is a place of Peace, Hope, and Joy. Just never get ahead of God. Pray about it first and ask God exactly how you should move forward, and like me, he will tell you when and how to move forward and where to go or whatever you are in need of. And when he does, never look back. Stay in the Lord and He will bless your ways and your path. That is his promise and I can tell you, He keeps his promises.

Never let the devil say you can't do it, because we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us. God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He will make your path straight and successful.

We are to leave toxic situations and toxic people. If we have tried everything to remedy an abusive situation and nothing has worked, God would not want you to stay and be abused until you lose your health. He understands. This is when God is telling us to flee from the situation, to get out from under abuse. He doesn't want us looking back. Some people don't change and they don't want to change. You cannot change a narcissist. Don't even try. They will tell you they love you, but that is a devil's lie because narcissists do not know what love is. Their whole idea of love, is nothing but control. In their egotistic minds, love = control, and nothing more. You won't see their tears because they love you so much and want you back. You will see their tears in an effort to get you back into their lives so they can continue to abuse you through control. That's what they miss, not you! Never fall for it. Once you have left and they've convinced you to come back, I guarantee you, your life will be 100 times worse than it was before. They will see you as nothing but weak! Controllable! Defeated!

If God is telling you to leave, I cannot tell you how crucial it is that you stay away from your abuser forever. You do not allow phone calls, cards, flowers, text messages, letters, or visits. You break total contact with your abuser, forever. I also learned that you do not stay for the sake of the children, because when you do this, you are not protecting your children. You are exposing them to a situation that is detrimental to their physical and emotional health. You are the parent. It is up to you to safeguard your children, who do not have a voice of their own in an abusive situation. They are counting on you as the parent, to protect them. If you stay and use the children as an excuse, they will not grow up to be unhealthy and emotionally damaged human beings. They will be troubled, confused, and emotionally destroyed.

Abuse takes away their innocence and childhood. Please protect them from this. And never make excuses for your abuser, claiming "it's not that bad. He/she is just stressed at times." Tell yourself the truth! It is that bad, and the truth sets you free. If you have to move far away to get away from your abuser, then do it. Do whatever it takes, but allow God to guide you and help you plan your escape.

Someone who claims to love you, will never want to abuse you. Listen to God as he speaks to your heart about abuse. Allow him to lead and set you free. It is a wonderful thing, when one is free from abuse. Never let it linger. The sooner you get out, the better and the better for your children, if you have any. If you stay, they will turn out far more damaged than you can imagine. Even that little child you thought did not pick up on the stress and strain in your abusive relationship, is far smarter than you think. They definitely pick that up right away. They will carry pain that you never thought they knew about, for the rest of their lives. You can prevent that.

Whatever is going on in your life that needs to be changed so you can be happier, pray about it and trust God. You will not be sorry. Don't let someone cut your life short, because of abuse. When we know better, we do better. You just need to trust God and he will set you free and the person or persons God sets free, is free indeed. There is freedom in Christ, as we trust him. He is our Way maker, Provider, and Rescuer. He is our Rock and Strength, in times of trouble. He will give you wisdom to make a good plan towards your freedom. Take it one step at a time, but do not rush God. He wants to free you and give you a brand new beginning, a new life. Just when you think all is lost, it is actually your new beginning and God will bless you for trusting him.