Listen

I have fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. At last the champion’s wreath that is awarded for righteousness is waiting for me. The Lord, who is the righteous judge, is going to give it to me on that day. He’s giving it not only to me but also to all those who have set their heart on waiting for his appearance.

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Think

We talk about how serving God equals a purposeful life. I want to tell you that it does not always feel this way. In my story, I began to feel happy and found purpose in God, but my friends at school didn’t understand. From being the “cool” guy, hanging out with people, and not taking things too seriously, I was now in a stage of rebuilding myself. In the midst of that, my friends, who never helped when I was struggling, now shunned me because I told them how good God was to me during the difficulties of my life. They left me alone and called me crazy.

However, I never forgot this young man from church named Peter. He was there for me, and we became great friends. I tell you all this because the rough times along the way will come for all of us. We can look to God to provide us with the right tools to keep going. Many times, moving forward may hurt, but we will have more hope than we think.

Luis Santiago

Question to Ponder:

How has God helped you through a tough time in your faith journey?

Pray

God, guide me in all of the tough times I face, and give me the tools to keep going. A tough time I’m facing right now is…

Help me to have hope. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Go

In every challenge, fear, and uncertainty, God is with you. Thanks be to God.