​“It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.” -A.W. Tozer
I have struggled with this quote over the years, and I admit that I am still not entirely sure I agree. I know that I don’t wholeheartedly disagree. That may sound wishy washy. Okay.  I think I struggle with it when things are going well because I feel greatly blessed by God. Then, I remember some of those hard times, when I struggled with some situation or event in my life. 
Also, I don’t like to think that God is the cause of my hurt. The other part that bothers me about this quote is that I often mix the word “bless” with “use”.  So, God blesses me constantly. God is constantly teaching me things, as well. Sometimes those lesson involve being hurt.  Next week, I’ll share a testimony about God teaching me something through hurt.
Have I answered my question? Probably not. If you ask me next week if I agree or disagree with this quote, you might get a different answer.
Here’s what I know…

1. God loves me.
2. “And [I} know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
3. God is bigger than my questions and has answers even if I don’t know the answer now.

So, here is the only thing I can type today for the questions, doubts, calamities, and hurt. “And Jesus said to him, “‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” Mark 9:23-24.  Even when I do not understand, Jesus is there for me.
 

I'm excited to share my thoughts with anyone who wants to read them.
The above photo was taken in St. Maarten, Dutch Virgin Islands in June of this year.  The islands have had it tough recovering from the hurricanes that ripped through them in recent years.  This was one of the ships that we saw just left in the water.  Their owners either had no insurance or no other way to repair them.  There were many of these types of boats and even an airplane wreckage left sitting.
I am reminded that I praise God that He does not leave us stranded, when we have wrecked or been wrecked by the storms of life.  I began my journey with Christ Jesus at a young age. I was only eight years old when I realized my need for a Savior and the only one who could save me was Jesus. 
Over the last almost 40 years I have not been perfected, and I'm sure there have been times that God was disappointed in my progress or regress.  I can only do my best to serve Him and look for the opportunities that He gives me to glorify Him.
How will you spend the rest of your life? Will you spend it as a wrecked ship or let the LORD of Glory pick you up and show you a path?