This too shall PASS!

"This too shall pass," is what I hear all too often when encountering tough times.  It's meant to be an encouragement but sometimes I want to respond with a sarcastic comment I know I should keep to myself.  Something like, "I wish I would PASS a little faster through this!" or I'd be alright if I passed over this completely!"  After I consciously make a choice to see the encourager with good intentions as such, I am able to put my sarcasm aside and remember there is truth to what they say.

Circumstances come and go.  The perspective and attitude I choose to have about those circumstances can make or break me.

Isaiah 43:2-5 says
WHEN you pass through the waters, I WILL be with you;
WHEN you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
WHEN you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior
Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you,
I will give people in exchange for you
nations in exchange for your life.
DO NOT BE AFRAID, for I AM with you;

When I go through circumstances and wish I could just pass over rather than go through I must remember that the word says WHEN...I will go through tough times.
I am able to endure these tough times because He says:

I AM PRECIOUS

I AM HONORED

I AM LOVED

HE IS WITH ME!

These promises comfort me because I have walked through stages of my life without him. Not because He wasn't there, because I ask Him to leave me alone.  Nothing is scarier to me than His absence because I have experienced life without Him.

So WHEN I walk through this life and into trying times that I'd much rather "PASS" over rather than through, I will find comfort in knowing HE IS RIGHT THERE WITH ME and I will trust in HIM, keeping my eyes fixed on HIM rather than the circumstance.