KEEPING FAITH AND UNWAVERING STEADFASTNESS WHEN FACING TOUGH TIMES

Trials knock at our heart and surround us. Temptations set in, hoping we'll feel the pressure. Tough times come right after a moment of joy or small victory.We toss and turn at night, wondering how these things work their way into our thoughts, into our dreams.It starts to feel like we're in a batting cage struggling to hit the balls being fired at us. It gets exhausting.This is life in the world. It requires a continuous and active choice to choose God. To keep faith. To say, "I'm sorry." To move ahead in hope rather than despair. It's the battle of living by faith.Last week I had to do this over and over again. Unfortunately I allowed temptation to work on my mind and made choices based on emotions, feelings of "Who needs this?" and more, but I don't write that to wallow in defeat. I write that because there is so much hope ahead.Jesus Christ is the good shepherd. When we ask Him into our heart, He showers us with His unconditional love and devotion. He does not leave us. He sees us start over again and again. He sees us struggle with the desire to God. We have nothing to fear.Going by faith is about the free-will choice to trust God and choose His ways and instructions always...