This Is Hard

Faith is hard. This book is based off of conversations I had with my sophomore Religion teacher.

Here is where the inspiration came from:

Me: "I'm just confused. I don't understand why God is putting all of this in my life right now."

Teacher: "He has a reason for all of it. He is a justified and merciful God. He is not an angry God. He created us because He LOVED us. He wanted us to experience this world and live this life. He has a reason for everything He puts you through. He has a reason for everything He puts me through. Trust in His plan."

Me: "I'm not strong enough to handle it. I know that sounds really selfish compared to what God did for me, but I just don't feel like I am strong enough to handle this."

Teacher: "It's hard. I know it is. Trust me, you remind me a lot of myself. But when you look back on this 10 years from now, you'll say 'Well, that wasn't even the hardest part!' The best way is to pray. Trust in Him because He holds your future. He is precise and perfect in His actions. He loves you and He doesn't give you more than you can handle."

Me: "...this is hard. Faith is hard. Trusting in God is hard. I'm going to try."

Teacher: "I know it is. You are stronger than you know. You can do it. I know you can. I believe in you, Allie."

Teacher: "God loves. God saves. He is doing wonderful work in your life. The questions you ask are questions I didn't ask until I was a sophomore in college. It's remarkable that you are asking these questions as a sophomore in high school. I see God leading you into the Church at Easter. You are very determined and very passionate about the faith. Thank God everyday for your grace He has given you and use it to do great things."