I have heard it said the reason lightning never strikes twice in the same place, is because the same place isn't there the second time! Because we live in a constantly changing, stress-filled world, we need to learn to recognize:

1.  When to "give up".  We're surrounded by escape artists trying to avoid the stress that accompanies change.  But there is no escape--change is inevitable.  So stop regarding it as the enemy and instead make it your ally.  Only when you decide to ride the horse in the direction it's going, will you get to where you need to be!

   2.  When to "wise up."  When we're hit with                    sudden change, our fight or flight instincts                aren't very effective at handling it.  But there's          a solution: by entrusting your life fully into                God's care and asking for His wisdom.  "He              takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into            ...change." (Romans 2:4 TM)

  3.   When to "toughen up."  Somebody said, "If it             wasn't for stress I'd have no energy at all."               Stop and take inventory!  Are you making it               harder on yourself than it needs to be?  Is your         self - talk faith, or fear?  Are you convincing             yourself that you can't handle the changes?             Are you ready to give up without even trying?           Listen: "Under (the pressure of change), your           faith-life is forced into the open and shows its           true colors.  So don't try to get out of anything           prematurely.  Let it do its work so you become         mature and well developed." 

       (James 1:4-5) TM

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