Read Psalm 116:1-2

Do you ever find yourself saying something like this? 

"Lord, I give You my life, but I'm weary to death of this irritation, this person, this circumstance, this uncomfortable situation. I feel trapped, Lord. I want relief—I must have relief! And if You don't bring it soon...well, I've had it. I feel like walking away from it all."

You may walk, my friend, but there are no shortcuts. 

Here's a better plan: Reach for the hand of your Guide! He is Lord of the desert. Even your desert. The most precious object of God's love is His child in the desert. If it were possible, you mean more to Him during this time than at any other time....

You are His beloved student taking His toughest courses. He loves you with an infinite amount of love.

Excerpted from Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way (Nashville: J. Countryman, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc., 2001). Copyright © 2001 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.