Growing Pains

Oppression: the feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc.
As I began 2009, I was indifferent to things happening all around me, and then it hit me. While all around doors are opening wide for Hope's visions and plans, those of us who call ourselves part of Hope's family are struggling each in our own way. Cars brake down, jobs fall through, health falters, personal momentum stutters. It is in this place and at this time that growth is occuring and growing pains are in fact painful. I don't get a choice. There is no easy route. I was not promised an easy route, in fact I was told the road would be hard and the cost would be high. I just didn't listen. I must persevere, for there are really only two options live in God's will and know that He is with me through it all, or choose to not follow his will and live a life alienated from his comfort. If those indeed are the only two options (And I believe they are the only two), then I do choose his will, and the growing pains, and the oppression, for with these things is the assurance even through the frustration that I have joined God in His plans.