D.E.A.T.H. is NOT an OPTION

     For some reason when some people go through rough spots in their lives they see death as the only way of escape.  It is not uncommon in these times to turn on the local or national news and hear tragic stories of people committing suicide for one reason or another.  Their self-inflicted demise leaves many wondering what could have been going on that prompted them to take their life.  These questions are not posed to judge the individual, but are done so to try to understand how someone could harm themselves in that manner.
     We all are human.  We will go through our own personal struggles.  Your struggle may be that you have been out of work for a long time and you cannot see how things are going to get better.  Someone else may be facing an eviction and you see no way to house your family.  Someone may be battling a severe illness and is in constant pain and turmoil.  Maybe you are even going through bouts of depression and loneliness.  As the title of a book by the late Bebe Moore Campbell states, Your Blues Ain't Like Mine.  Our struggles may be different, but there is One thing that we have in common - A God who cares about what we are going through. 

     Bad things can happen to even the best of us.  No one is exempt from trials and tribulations.  What we have to realize, however, is that what we go through is not some form of punishment from God.  We have to remember that when walking this walk with Christ, we will suffer as He did.  Peter states in I Peter 4:(12-13):  Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.  Your suffering is only for a little while.  Joy really does come in the morning.  ...After you have suffered a little while, (God) will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast (I Peter 5:10). 

     As we go through our storms, our attitudes and faith is what God is watching.  It is hard to smile when you are in pain, but continue to believe Him.  It's hard to smile when the eviction notice is on the door, but continue to believe Him.  It's hard to smile when you can't pay all of your bills, but continue to believe Him.  God is faithful and He will not let us down.  It is our faith that pleases Him. Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).  Do you believe that He can bring you out of whatever situation you may be going through right now?  Do you trust Him to do what you cannot?  God will never leave you, nor will He forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).  God has all the power and ability to bring you out of your storm, therefore, D.E.A.T.H is NOT an OPTION.  When He says it is time, then, and only then, is when you should leave this earth.  

     I know it is hard to hear this sometimes, but God will not put more on us than we can bear (I Corinthians 10:13).  If you find yourself feeling that there is no other way out, contact a trusted friend, loved one, or even seek some professional help.  Only pride will keep you from asking for help.  God loves you.  God really does care what happens to you.  Reading His word will strengthen you and keep you...Be Blessed!