HAVE YOU DEALT WITH THE ROOT OF THE ISSUE?

Many times we wonder why we end up in the same situation time and time again. It is because we are not really dealing with the underlying issue. We often mask what we are dealing with. Ignoring issues and stopping certain behaviors does not necessarily mean that you have dealt with that situation. Never be fooled by the outer appearance. For example, let's say that you were an alcoholic and you stopped drinking to please others and to make a better life for yourself. However, if you never dealt with the issue that caused you to pick up the bottle in the first place, you may find yourself drinking again. People may congratulate you on your soberness, but you really know the truth . It takes alot to really figure things out. Sometimes taking advice from others is the right solution for your situation, but at other times it could be the wrong approach. If you don't deal with the issue, there is nothing that will ever take away the pain that you may be feeling. Getting to the root of the issue is very difficult sometimes because people don't acknowledge that something is wrong. However, there are times when people know what is wrong but they do not know exactly how to address it.We all have issues that we need to deal with, take time to address them properly.

RECOGNIZING PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULT SITUATIONS BUT WALKING RIGHT PAST THEM.

How many times have you seen something out of place and walked past it with the attitude "I didn't do it?" All of us are guilty of this. We often develop this attitude about situations that we deal with in our own lives. Even worse, we apply this attitude to others when we have the opportunity to help them out. When you avoid addressing difficult situations, the problem never becomes resolved. Sometimes, the problem worsens. You should never utter the words, "it is not my problem, or it is not my job." It is your job to help others and assist others with problems when they can't find solutions. However, before you can address difficult situations in someone else's life, you should deal with the problems in your life first so that you can better assist others. Once a difficult situation begins to manifest itself, deal with it right away. It is possible to help others with issues that you may have already resolved in your life. No one wants to go through a difficult situation alone. Many times you are the solution to the problem, however, you are not the solution to every problem. If it is in your means to help someone out, do what you can for them. Instead of running away from problems and difficult situations, be eager to find resolutions.

CAN YOU WAIT?

Patience is one of the greatest virtues that an individual can possess. I feel that God's message to me this week, is that I need to be patient in all things. Everything will happen in due time. Sometimes when we rush things or interfere in situations we mess things up for the worst. Being patient is very difficult especially when we want things to happen right now. If you can master the art of patience, life will be easier. Hey, I actually frustrate myself more when I rush because that's when everything seems to go wrong. I have never been a patient person and one of my pet peeves is having to wait on people. I always try to be early to places so that others do not have to wait on me. However, the reality is that everyone is not on time and that everything will not happen when you want it. Patience is hard work and it may take a lifetime to perfect it. If you don't have something right now, then you don't need it right now. Everything that you need, God always provides. Life is all about recognizing your weaknesses and working on them so that you become a better person. You are not here for yourself, but rather to serve others. Serving others requires a great deal of patience. So wait, and listen to God, he will guide you in everything that you are dealing with.

CAN YOU HAVE A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP IF THERE ARE MAJOR DIFFERENCES IN BELIEFS?

With all the stress that already comes with a relationship, is it really possible to maintain a relationship with someone when they believe differently than you? These beliefs could differ in religion, politics, finance, etc. Of course, we know that two people will never agree on everything. However, if you discover major differences in beliefs as you get to know one another, how do you address that situation? Do you attempt to change that other person's beliefs, or do you accept that person's beliefs for what they are and hope that they don't create conflict within your relationship. I believe that the most difficult differences that individuals deal with in relationships is religion, religious beliefs, and upbringing. If two people were raised differently they may find it difficult to find common ground as they attempt to create a life together. Especially with religion. Many times when two individuals fall in love, but being of different faiths, usually one individual converts over to the other religion. Someone has to compromise to make the relationship work. As I address this, I am not speaking of people who profess to be of certain religions. I speak of those individuals who actually practice what they believe in, day in and day out. Even though this may exist, I personally don't know any two individuals that actively practice their separate religious beliefs (different religions) in the same household without any conflict at all. Even individuals with the same religion but different beliefs manage to have conflict. Let's say that two individuals with different religions did manage to make the relationship work. What happens when children enter the picture? What religion would you raise the children under? It seems that it would be very difficult to try and impose one religion upon a child when the parents have different religions. What if you are of the same religion but were raised under two different denominations with major differences in beliefs? Could you make it work after been raised under those certain beliefs for such a long period of time? In regards to politics, could you maintain a relationship with someone that has different political views than yourself? For example, let's say you are pro-life and your significant other is pro-choice. How do you deal with that situation? If they decide to kill your unborn child will that have a negative impact on your relationship and will you be able to go forward with that person from there? Could that mean that if it is not a convenient time in the relationship for a child, that your child could be killed despite your personal belief? Would you be able to forgive them? Would you feel like you failed your unborn child because you considered a future with someone when you knew their stance on this issue? I only speak of political views that could possibly cause conflict within a relationship. Another good one would be one's perspective on lethal injection? If you believe in lethal injection but your spouse doesn't, does that pose a threat to your relationship?  There are so many issues that we may view as minute or unimportant, but once they are presented to us they turn out to be major conflicts within our relationships. I believe that if two people have similar beliefs that they are more likely to have a more successful relationship than two individuals with majorly different beliefs. Can two walk together, except they be agreed? Amos 3;3.