Continuing When The Going Gets Tough... (8/6/2012)
I have some wonderful and amazing people in my life who have endured incredible hardships that I can't even begin to imagine going through. These people inspire me to soldier on through whatever storms might come my way, yet none of these hardships seem to compare to what Jesus, my Lord and Saviour endured on my behalf. Beaten and then hung on the cross and left to die in a public trial and execution so that my sins may be forgiven. I'm not perfect, I'm far from. If we were still living under Old Testament law, I would have been executed for bringing my first born into this world without being married first - if not for other reasons. I try to be a good person. I'm human - I can only do so much. God created me that way and then redeemed me from a life of sin so that I don't have to spend a life full of guilt. When Jesus proclaimed "It is finished", he began the completion of my freedom which was finalized when I accepted Him into my life. I cannot even begin to imagine the agony that He went through, all while seeing all eternity and all those who either would accept Him or reject Him throughout the rest of our time on this planet. What joy must be found in those who accept and such great agonizing loss for those who continue to reject, for He died for all and it is God's will that "none should perish". (2 Peter 3:9)
When the going gets tough, it is reassuring to know that each time is just a season and something will change. It is comforting to know that God understands pain and grief and is there by my side no matter what I am going through. He will never allow more than I can endure, though I know a time had come when I confessed my weakness to Him, that I was certain I was approaching my limit of what I could withstand.
When the going gets tough, God is still Good, He is Faithful, He will NEVER leave us nor forsake us. Not only will he bring us through our trials, but He will make us "More than conquerors" through them! I don't go looking for trouble, but sometimes it finds me anyway and it is so good to know that Victory is already mine, through Christ who strengthens me! This Victory is not mine because of who I am or what I've done but only through the Grace of God and to be shared with ALL who wish to receive!