Christian Photographers Community

God knows the Christian life is not easy. It will never be easy, no matter how long you live.

There is always a battle. You will deal with the world, the flesh, and the devil until you die.

Satan is not going to say, "Well, he is sixty-two now and retired, so I guess I'll give him a break." The enemy has an incredible record for perseverance.

Endurance requires something that doesn't come easily. We have to stand for something and against something, and we can do that only by trusting in a sovereign God.

When the going gets rough—and it will—we can't run away. We can't quit. The longer we push the limits, the stronger our faith becomes.

We become ready for greater service and expanded ministry. We become strong, stalwart, and steadfast.

A woman noticed a friend hobbling along. When she asked about the problem, her friend sheepishly answered, "I am trying to lose weight through exercise, and my personal trainer is killing me."

We have a Personal Trainer who wants us fit for the race, but who will never "kill us" in the meantime.

He knows our individual racetrack. He knows the pace we need to take.

He knows what goal He has set for us. He knows what makes us weary.

He is sovereign! We endure when we remember how He endured: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" (Heb. 12:2).

The One who endured the cross lives in you, so that you can endure yours. If you stumble, He is there to pick you up.

If your trail gets real narrow or the bridge is out, don't turn around. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Don't quit. Endure.

When you received the Lord Jesus as your Savior and He set you on your course, He had it all mapped out as your sovereign Lord—bumps, quick turns, detours, up hills, down valleys.

Everything. He didn't just fire the starting pistol and hope you could find your way. He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell you.

You aren't running alone. You don't have to clench your fists in order to endure.

Just recognize that your sovereign Lord is with you in every situation, and call upon Him to infuse you with His power.

You are never a victim of your circumstances, for your sovereign God has determined to use everything that happens to you for your blessing and His glory.

Please take care and as always,

Love in Christ,

Joyce

Thank your for these words, Joyce.