Throughout our lives we go through many obstacles and run many races. Some are more complicated, some are longer, steeper and harder than others and we often feel like giving up when it becomes too much.

When we get out of breath, tired and aching all over we feel we can't handle it anymore and we feel to stop and give up.

But  are running the race, God knows its never easy but in order to reach the end, we must endure some pain but its only temporary.

God doesn;t want us to feel dis-heartened, He is running with us every step of the way and we have to trust that He will take us through right till the end.

He says he will be with us throughout, 'Never leave will he leave us, never will he forsake us' (Hebrews 13:5)

And God is faithful to His word, because He has never let down any of his children.

When Christ was on earth, he went through so many difficulties.

He endured homelessness and had no place to sleep (Matt 8:20). He was ridiculed and sentenced to death and endured pain on the cross. But he didn't give up! And it was all for our sake.

He could have given up if he wanted to. When he was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, he was terrified but he wanted God's will to be done.

Christ knew that we wouldn't have salvation if he gave up. he was focused on the prize!

Christ wanted to finish the race and trusted that God will take him through to the end and he did!

We must remember that our present suffering is only temporary, it's nothing compared to what is on the other side which is Glory! (Romans 8:18)

No matter how tough the race is, there is always joy and rest at the otherside.

Weeping and pain is only temporary. No matter how long and the dark night is, joy and rejoicing will always come in the morning. (Psalm 30:5)

We just have to be patient (Romans 8:25) and 'be strong, take heart and wait for the Lord' - Psalm 27:14

Those who hope and wait on the Lord will have their strength renewed and prosper like David and Abraham did...

When we meditate on God's word, walk in His light and understanding, He will strengthen us and give us the encouragement we need to never give up but keep going on.

Then God will reveal His plan for us. When we draw near to God, He draws near to us (James 4:8).

The closer we get to God, the closer we get to the purpose that he has for us.

To be a winner, we must face challenges and struggles but we won;t win if we give up halfway through.

Any successful athlete with a string of awards and prizes under their belt wouldn't have got to where they are without hard training which required immense dedication.

We mustn't stop but endure and keep 'pressing on towards the goal to win the prize that God has called us for' - Phil 3:14

When we fix our eyes on the prize, Christ and all the rewards he has in store for us, we will reach the end of the race with God's sure promise.

Remember that God never gives up on us, so we musn't give up!

No matter what we might be facing today or if you ever feel like giving up, trust that God will strengthen you to make it through to see the blessings and joy at the finish line.

Esther ♥