here is much adversity in today's world. We are challenged by and struggle with many hardships in our country, community and, often, in our own home. Illness, death, homelessness, the pain of separation, loss, unforgiveness, hate, abuse, prejudice, war, divorce, poverty - the list grows each day. But there are "lassos" that surround those very things that hinder us and hold us captive. These lassos are faith, trust, obedience, prayer, humility ... and more.

The lassos do not remove the hardships and challenges. They simply capture what holds us captive and clear the way of the clutter so we can see more clearly the journey and the direction we are to take. What clutter remains are those circumstances we cannot change.

Circumstances can be deeply painful and can nip the very heart of our soul; but peace and harmony can exist in our lives, in spite of those circumstances. How we choose to respond to circumstances and the things that challenge and grieve us determines our spiritual health.

Consider Paul's interaction with God, related to us in 2 Corinthians 12:9: "But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

Blaming God or questioning why he allows things to happen is not where our focus should be. God would never choose to pour out adversities upon us that would destroy our spirit. However, the Bible includes many stories, however, that show us that occasionally God tests our spirit to strengthen us, to reveal his grace, power, and glory, and to know where our hearts are focused. Yet he will never bring us beyond what we can handle. He is ready to help us when the burden is too much to carry.

Life happens, often bringing circumstances beyond our control.

Spiritual warfare happens. The reality of demonic existence is frequently debated, but the Bible makes it clear that Satan is as real as God is real. Satan seeks to hurt us and hinder our walk with God any way he can.

Flesh happens. Mankind is sinful in nature. Too often, many people needlessly suffer at the hands of others.

And then ... God happens, overflowing with sufficient grace. God is the one who saves, not the reason why we need to be saved.

If we approach God with a grateful heart and choose to surrender to his guidance, grace, love, mercy, compassion, and power, we will be molded into who he wishes us to be: victorious loved children of God who run the race in honor of him.

When we embrace all the hope, all the growth, all the blessings that come as a result of entrusting our lives to him, God will embrace our choice to live life with our focus on him and what he can do through us, in spite of our circumstances.