So then, with endurance, let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us. Hebrews 12:1
As we grow and become who God has created us to be, we journey through times of waiting, temptation and struggle. But there is more to the journey than only difficult times; there are also moments of rest and celebration.
When we make it through times of struggle, we can look back and realize God walked with us through it all, strengthening us and showing us the way. God didn’t remove struggle from our lives, but God gave us what we needed to make it. In these times, we see clearly God has helped us and will continue to help us, and we know God’s presence satisfies us like nothing else.
Maybe you’re not there yet. Maybe you are in the middle of a difficult time and you don’t feel like celebrating. Hold on, friend. Keep going. God’s strong hands are holding you too.
God, thank you for giving me exactly what I need for where I am in my journey. I celebrate because You have been a help to me and You will continue to help me my whole life long. Amen.
As you go, hear the words of Jesus encouraging you on your journey, Look, I Myself will be with you every day. (Matthew 28:20)
This reflection was by Dixie Ford, children’s pastor at Grace, a United Methodist congregation in Birmingham, AL. She and her husband Scott are loving life with two children, two teenagers, two cats and two new puppies! It is shared through the d365 daily devotional site produced by Passport, Inc., a national student ministry organization, and partnered through The Office of Ministries with Youth, Presbyterian Mission Agency.
THOUGHT TO REMEMBER: When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christlike, it solves a great deal of anxiety. — AW Tozer
The Light 
Kind of an experiment, here, a call-and-reponse sonnet
Don’t now why I keep enduring
(bring the ashes, bring the pain!)
but I will not be life abjuring
(gain is loss, and loss is gain!).
Even though I see no dawn
(the deadly hour has arrived!)
it’s faith I rest my heart upon
(ancient demons now revived!).
Even when I feel alone
(bring the sorrow, bring the fright!)
He still guards me from the Throne
(we are coming in the night!)
A thousand demons at my door,
yet outnumbered; with Him I’m more.
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Obviously, in the first line, should be “Don’t know…”
Sigh.
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Nice experiment. I know! Hope it’s one of the good days.
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Thanks! Day is a decent one.
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