It is possible for long periods of stress to save you, change you, and mold you into the person you truly want to be! My exercise routine has recently included something called a pancake stretch, which is supposed to be good for you. It’s similar to learning splits if you are a martial artist or a gymnast. I tried doing it after someone showed me how, but let’s just say I wasn’t even close to being a pancake. However, as I did it day after day and week after week, I worked past the stress, became more flexible, and began to master it with greater precision.

Another memorable but stressful experience for me earlier in life was learning to drive. While living in Oklahoma, I had the joy of taking driving lessons in the family’s minivan, and let’s just say it was a challenge. Though it always looked easy, the process was uncomfortable, and I felt pressure every step of the way. It really made me wonder how my older sister was able to drive and steer the car with her knee while doing her makeup! Thankfully, like exercise, although learning to drive is a ton of stress and a lot of pressure, it eventually becomes second nature.

Friend, although long periods of stress are an inevitable part of life, they can actually be the thing that saves you, changes you, and enables you to grow into the person you really want to be. With God on your side, you can endure any difficult test or task and allow Him to bring you through the fear and discomfort to become a stronger and more faith-filled version of yourself.