"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

Just a shout out to those going through trials.  There is so much in this life to battle! Sickness, pain, relationship struggles, stress, weariness, exhaustion, fear, heartache, busy-ness, financial challenge, job demands, disasters....any of us could add to the list!

From all I read in God's word, this life did not come with a guarantee that there would not be challenges.  In fact, this is the very place where we will encounter various trials and difficulties.

The earth is not our ultimate home.  We are passing through - en route, if you will, to our heavenly home.  It is a place where there is a real enemy, swinging his fists as he gets closer and closer to his final destruction.  His missiles are aimed at us.  We have a mission here.  To endure to the end.  To be warriors and aliens in a foreign land.  

There is good news, even though walking through the shadows are no fun.

Here are the promises; and they by far outweigh the struggles!

1.   We have a great God who is on our side!

2.   He has given us a Savior who will indeed rescue and redeem each who choose His love and grace.

3.   There are promises for all who call upon His name and embrace Him!  They can be applied even in this life!

4.   He offers His rod and staff and His personal presence through every trial and every circumstance.

5.   He has seen to it that we have a guide book, full of amazing stories of His "footprints" in the earth.  

6.   He often allows miracles - even beyond the miracle of life and His redemption plan itself!  

7.   The promise of His never-ending LOVE is ours when we choose Him.

8.   The promise of His FAITHFULNESS is ours when we choose Him.

9.   The promise of His GRACE and MERCY is ours when we choose Him.

10.  The promise of ETERNITY is ours when we choose Him!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that won ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  John 3:16