“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9 NASB
You will need courage to stay in the race no matter what the circumstances might be. Remember that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power and love and a sound mind. 2 Tim1:7 JB Phillips.” Winston Churchill said, “Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” And it’s also been said, “Anyone can give up, it’s the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that’s true strength.” I think back 9 years ago when I received a phone call from my daughter-in-law telling me that something was terribly wrong with my 36-year-old son, David, and would we meet them at urgent care. He couldn’t talk – he was having a stroke. Fast forward one month later. My daughter, 38 years old, passed out and was found by her 10-year-old son. She had had a ruptured aneurism and a stroke. As hard as it was at times not to fall apart, especially in the darkness of night, I was able to grab on to the Rock, my Jesus, and time after time be reminded that all things work together for those who love God and are called according
to His purpose. Be encouraged and reminded daily that God is with you, whatever you face, wherever you go. To stay in the race will also take determination because determination is what keeps you persevering through all the roadblocks and the ups and downs you face. It is often said that the one quality that makes a difference in the success or failure of a task is determination. Colin Powell said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” Yes, my son David is about 90%back. I wish I could say the same about Christie. She lives in an adult family home, bedridden. Some of life’s biggest questions are why and what’s next? But I’m not quitting, I’m staying in the race. Don’t give up. Remember. Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.