I learned how to study similar situations in the Bible and apply it to my circumstance. It didn't stop the circumstance, but I made it through. And that is the point.

It was Christmas of 2007. I was ministering at my church and the Word, God gave me to teach Luke 22:31-31 msg, "Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing turn to your companions and give them a fresh start."

I wasn't sure who else the message was meant for that morning, but I was sure it was for me. And literally, my life all around me was faced with heart-throbbing problems. The more the attack, the closer I grew to God. And astoundingly, my faith grew unbreakable.

Admittedly, while I was going through, I couldn't understand the meaning of it all. Forget what the devil was doing, why was God allowing it? Why wouldn't God just end it? That was a question I asked daily.

Then, I asked God this question. Is there ever a time when we won't experience problems? His response, "So are you asking me if there is ever a time you won't need Me? Because everything you are going through requires my help."

No, Lord that is not what I am asking.

Because I never want to do this thing called life without You. Actually, I can't.

Shortly after, God started to show me my testing and trials were tied into my purpose.

No matter how bad life gets, God's power never changed. He delivered me in ways I couldn't imagine. He showed me not only His power, but His faithfulness.