Don't Give Up



Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 
(Romans 12:12) 

There are very few things of this sinful world to rejoice over. I have my church, my family and friends, but precious little else. Above all of those there is one constant that I can rejoice in. That’s my God and King, who gives me all things. I find the greatest joy in the hope he gave me for my eternity. I know where I will be, I don't have to be troubled about it at all. That is very emancipating to not have that to worry about. As I get older, I don't have to fear death because I know what's on the other side. 

When I was a young adult, I didn’t really think about my death, or if there was something after this life was over. It wasn’t until mid-life hit me that my mortality started staring me in the face. Once I gave my life to Jesus, any fear of mortality was replaced by the blessing of hope. Hope for a better ‘me’ going through this life. Hope for better relationships with family and friends. Hope for the promise of an eternity with Christ. I rejoice every day in the hope he has given me. 

There are still the everyday trials I must endure while I'm here. They both strengthen my faith and build my dependence upon God, if I'm patient. God doesn't promise me I'll never be afflicted with another problem once I'm saved. In fact, he promises me the opposite. However, if I rely on God as I go through the trials and tribulations of this life, he will get me through. He doesn't expect me to jump up and down and yell, "Yippee," while I'm in distress. He just expects me to be patient and find my joy in him until it's over.

The key for me is to keep praying. If I'm experiencing a great trial, which is all too often these days, I go to the Lord in prayer. He doesn’t care if my prayers are flowery and full of Christian words and phrases. He cares what’s in my heart. He wants to relieve my pain and take my burden from my shoulders. My thoughts are not God's thoughts. His thoughts are so much higher than mine, it's impossible for me to adequately explain. He helps me rejoice in situations that, in my own strength, I would run away screaming and hide. Prayer is the best way through any tribulation.




Father in heaven, when we need you, you are always there for us. You have set hope in our hearts that tempers our fears. We know you are for us, so we have nothing to fear from whatever is against us. Father our lives are filled with trials and troubles that we find difficult to deal with. It’s you, Father, we must turn to, to ease our burdens. Give us strength to face whatever life throws at us, and never leave us alone to solve our problems. We need you every day, no matter if the decision is vitally important or not. If we seek your input through prayer and await the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you will lead us in the way we should go. Keep us from making rash and worldly decisions based on our foolish desires. Lord, help us to be deaf to the temptations of this world that often lead us into the trouble we want to avoid. If our eyes catch a glimpse of some attractive worldly enticement, make us look away in the strength of Jesus Christ. Let us always be mindful of all he has done for us. It’s in his precious name, we pray. Amen!
Location: Kendall, NY 14476, USA

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