Why is it so easy to read, understand, teach and find comfort in the Word but when you are being tested and you actually have to apply it to your situation... It is so difficult!

Reading the Word is like food to my soul... It is my therapy. Sometimes it makes me smile and at times it makes me cry but it always, always brings peace and comfort.

If I don't understand, I will reread it... I will pull out a more simple version... I'll even take the time to translate the words I don't understand to Turkish so I can better grasp what is being taught.

I believe in my heart of hearts every thing I read and everything I am taught... I hang on to every word.. and every time a situation arises with a friend, a coworker or even a stranger I am there to tell them the good news. It's so exciting to teach the Word.. and so easy too! Telling others about how great our God is makes my heart smile.. letting others know of all of His plans and promises brings peace not only to theirs but my soul!

So... one may say if you understand the Word, you believe the Word, you apply the Word, and you teach the Word... how can it be hard to stay in the Word when times get tough?

I honestly don't know how to answer the question. I beat myself up day and night because I feel like I'm "half trusting" God when I do that. I just dont know if it's the stress and anxiety that takes over... or fear of being hurt or being alone... but.. God didnt give us the spirit of fear and He definitely assures us that we will never be alone... so what is it? Fear of failure? That can't be it because Proverbs tells me even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up.. So why do I stray away when difficult times occur and think I need to figure things out on my own? I'm not sure but one thing is certain and that is staying in the Word and continuous prayer.

James 1: 2-4 says "Dear brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."

I just need to step away from all the worldy things... put stress, worry, anxiety and every negative thought aside and simply have faith.

James 1:2-4