Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “God knew what He was doing when He constructed this world so that there was difficulty in it. That is what makes it possible for us to grow in strength and understanding. There is conflict in the universe and that is what makes life go.” The next time you feel pulled apart by a challenge, recognize how rich your life story is becoming by experiencing the hurdles and bumps on the road of life’s journey.

Know that God is thinking and working along with you. Put every problem in His hands; ask Him to give you the right answer. Believe that He is doing just that, and take the guidance as it comes.

The Bible makes it clear that a humble heart is essential to spiritual growth. How do you aim for humility? When you submit to God, He will raise you up. By humbly depending on His strength, and following His instructions, your life will be wonderful.

Sometimes we work ourselves to the bone because we have no choice. Other times, we do it to win the approval of others.

Today, let’s be honest with ourselves. Are we run-down? Worn out? If that’s the result of situations we can’t control, let’s ask the Lord to give us the strength we need to keep going. But if we’re exhausted because we’re afraid of letting someone down or hurting his or her feelings, it might be time to reassess. If we’re up to our eyebrows in work, overlooking other options for the people under our care, then we might be caught up in the “man-pleaser” game.

Here’s how the game works: We do our best to make others happy—at any expense. Our health, our finances, our time. We sacrifice in unbalanced ways because we’re concerned about what people will think of us.

Today, let’s aim to be God-pleasers. Let’s do the things He calls us to—nothing more and nothing less.

Fasting is an ancient practice that can draw you closer to God. You may fast from a pleasure or a habit. Whatever you fast from can do wonderful and unexpected things in your life and in your relationship with God.