Hebrews 10:35-36 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.

Sometimes the Christian life is very much a matter of “keeping on keeping on.” We wonder at times if there will ever be an end to trials, and the short answer is “No, they will continue until we are before God’s throne.” That’s not at all to say that there are no joys and blessings to the life of faith; quite the opposite, in fact. However, longing for a time in which there will be absolutely nothing wrong is an exercise in futility and frustration. And that adds to our suffering! Our assurance is not in our own abilities or in some kind of easy street, but in Christ who loved us so much that He went through almost indescribable suffering in order to save us. As Paul said, we know whom we have believed, and are convinced that He is able to take care of us and everything else. (2 Timothy 1:12) And Paul said that shortly before he was martyred! As this passage says, what we need to enable us to receive the fulfillment of all the promises of God is patient endurance. This has been true for saints through the ages, and it will continue to be true until we have the new heaven and the new earth promised in Revelation. So, as the saying goes, we need to “get over it!”

I have certainly wasted plenty of energy complaining, and I see some who are absolutely crippled by it. We need to realize that if we are following Christ, the drama of our lives is not a tragedy, whatever twists and turns the plot might take on the way to its conclusion. I had more training in this over the past week, with undesired events working on my anxiety level, but yesterday brought beautiful resolution, at least at this point. I’m not to get lazy and presumptive, but receive and apply the lessons I have been taught in times of stress. The devil would love to see me give up, and he will redouble his efforts as more of God’s plans for us are manifested, but he is no match for the Holy Spirit in me! I indeed need to exercise patient endurance with all assurance, so that every one of God’s plans and promises for me may be fulfilled.

Father, thank You for the beautiful day yesterday. There were disappointments and things I need to deal with, but You spoke and acted, and we were blessed. Help me continue to grow in my obedience through all You allow me to experience. I ask for wisdom in all aspects of the tract distribution You are leading us to do: content, timing, and personnel. I ask for wisdom, peace, and childlike obedience to You for those facing major life decisions. I pray that Your truth would break through and set free those who are in rebellion. May your will be done in every individual and every activity of this church, so that Your kingdom may come, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!