Life doesn't have to be unsatisfactory

As you're reading this, chances are that at one point in life, you hit a bump in the road where you were just dissatisfied with your progress. Maybe it was about disappointment with your career, hating your job, a soured relationship or marriage, or anything else. Failure and feelings of vanity can make anyone think he or she is worthless and without a future.

But I think everyone was born with some potential. If you're feeling distressed about where you are now, take a look at your abilities, talents, and skills.

• Ask friends and relatives about the strengths they've observed in you.


• Check out opportunities to display your gifts: a job, hobby, at church, recreation, school, club/organizations, etc.


• Make friends at these locations who can encourage, mentor, and open other doors for you.


• Look for ways to help others who are less fortunate than you. This can help you become less self-absorbed.


• Don't compare yourself with others who seem to have it all. You're one-of-a-kind, and not like anyone else. Some who are up today may be down tomorrow.

Speaking of uniqueness, consider that sometimes God allows dissatisfaction that money, success, entertainment, friends, and things won't fulfill. I've been there and I know the feeling. God wants your attention in a relationship. It's just that life isn't about us; it's about fulfilling our purpose: to do every non-sinful thing for and become like God in character. It's about a relationship that's meant to last forever, after friends, money, health, good times, achievements and everything else are gone. A relationship starts by asking Jesus Christ to come into your heart, that He would forgive you of all your sins. Thank Him for dying for you, and that you believe that He rose from the dead. Tell Him that you'll live for Him. Then stay in contact by talking to the Lord everyday, and follow His Life Manual (the Bible) daily. Make friends at a local Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-led church, and tell others about Jesus.

Why Suicide?

I'm amazed at the numerous online postings people make about considering suicide. It proves that we're not designed to be self-sufficient. There's only so much we can take. If you're reading this and believe you've reached the end of your rope, think about this:

We all have alot to live for. Contrary to popular belief, I'm not talking about religion, but a relationship: God created us to be like Him in character, to flourish, to live in abundance, for His pleasure. This is enough of a reason to live.

If everyone abandoned you, God would still take care of you if you put Him first. This relationship starts by trusting, confessing Jesus Christ with your mouth, and believing in your heart that He rose from the dead. Then you'll be saved from wrong living and eternal destruction. He made you, gave you talents, skills, and abilities you probably haven't discovered yet. They are all meant for you to use for God. If you keep Him first in your heart, He'll draw closer and show you how to live, and guide you in the right path.

If you didn't know, suicide is still murder. Unrepented murderers don't go to heaven when they die. Those who lived in disobedience to God spend eternity in hell, where there's no relief from suffering or torment. Don't fall for the idea that when you die, that's the end of existence. Unlike lower animals, our souls live on.

If you want a fresh start to go in a better direction, it takes only a little faith that God, the only One who really knows you, will help you. But you must believe He will. He helped me when I was miserable, and He still does. I'm not that tormented, insecure, crybaby, introverted, and frustrated person I used to be.

Let God do a new thing in you and pray the following aloud:
"Dear Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive me of my sin. Wash me and cleanse me. Set me free. Jesus, thank You that You died for me. I believe that You are risen from the dead and that You’re coming back again for me. Fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you, Lord for saving me. I’m forgiven and I’m on my way to Heaven because I have Jesus in my heart. Amen."

If you meant what you just prayed, Congratulations, and welcome to the family of God! Be sure to tell someone you've accepted Jesus Christ into your life.

Keep the relationship going by
o Talking to God everyday about everything. Spend time alone with Him, ask for His help, in the name of Jesus Christ
o Reading, meditating, and applying His Word daily from the Bible to your life. Start with St. John and I John from the Message or Amplified Bible version.
o Making friends at a local Bible-teaching, Holy Spirit-led church, where you can be encouraged in your walk of faith
o Telling others about Jesus Christ.