When the Spirit sees fit to grow me through whatever means he chooses, a battle wages in my soul.

I hear the voice of my weakness raging: “Consider yourself. It is not worth this pain or this grief. Be content with the man you are; resist this trial, and remain steady on the path you are traveling. Do not abandon who you are now, or you will have lost yourself completely. Consider yourself, consider yourself, consider yourself: you are as good as you need to be, and even if you aren’t, he says he has grace enough for you. Stay here. You are comfortable and you are safe; you ought to desire nothing else. You belong here, don’t you? This is who you are, and this is where you should be. Consider yourself.”

But I also hear the confident voice of the Father: “Precious child, you have to trust. I am drawing you deeper into a relationship with Truth and with Love, and I am carrying you the entire way. You need only to trust. This will not end in defeat, because I have won the battle. It will be worth it; I cannot show you now, but you will be grateful for this journey. I am your creator, and I know you. I am your father, and I love you. You must trust my love. This is not going to be easy or pleasant, but I am always in control. I am always faithful. Please, please, please trust me.”