"You've worked hard", God said as He sat down and pulled me a little closer. "I knew this was going to be rough on you, but telling you that up front would have likely sent you running carelessly to retreat in fear."
"It has been a struggle...a bit of a hardship. I've had to do some things that were very hard for me, that forced me way out of my comfort zone. I've had some humbling experiences and learned some harsh, but necessary lessons. I've experienced huge bouts of anxiety and landed hard in the bottom of the pit of depression. I've floundered and stumbled, and at times I've fallen on my face. But you've always been there to pick me up and dust me off and walked beside me until I could be on my way again."
"You're so much stronger mentally and emotionally", He said as He hugged me. "You have greater courage, you are more resilient, and so much more patient with people and life...and with me. You've learned to trust in my ability to help and heal you, and to guide and protect you. You've learned to do what I ask of you, to internalize and apply what I teach you, and believe the promises I make to you."
"Looking back", I said with tears trickling down my cheeks, "I can see that it's been worth all the effort to overcome every obstacle and difficulty to get where I am today. I know I still have a long way to go, but now I have hope that I will get there."
"Thank you", He said as His eyes met mine. "Thank you for trusting me and never giving up. And don't worry...I'll be with you every step of the rest of the journey because I love you...and you matter to me."
