When you reach middle age, you’re considered in the prime of life.  You’ve climbed the ladder of success, reached the pinnacle of career and lifetime relationships.  You’ve vaulted the hurdles of education.  Things are looking good. 

When I turned 50, we were living in a beautiful house, had enough money so we didn’t have to worry, my husband had a lucrative business and we had raised three children who were on their own life paths.  Then the bottom fell out.  

The economy took a dive and just like Job from the Bible, we lost it all.  Within a year we filed for bankruptcy, went through foreclosure and everything looked hopeless. Those we considered loyal, soon deserted the ship, but there were many that stood with us.

At that low point, we turned to the One who has sustained us for all our lives together.  God blessed us during that difficult time.  Through what seemed insurmountable odds, we both continued to pray, pull up our bootstraps and rebuild.  We discovered that we could make a living doing the things we loved, but we weren’t afraid to do some difficult jobs to get back on our feet.

Struggles at any age are tough, but when God is with you, they become bearable.  There is a purpose for all things and when you realize that all the yuck in life is there to strengthen your relationship with Him, you can overcome even the most difficult battles.  

Trust in the Lord always and lean not on your own understanding.