Philippians 4:13 (msg) Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

A few years ago, I had an acquaintance say to me, “I thought rainbows and sunshine just followed your family wherever you went.” My reply was, “We are very human.” 

I stand by that response today, and if it appears we are a joyful family – I give God all the glory, because we, like the rest of creation are met with new troubles every day. 

1 Thessalonians 3:3-5 (msg) Not that troubles should come as any surprise to you. You’ve always known that we’re in for this kind of thing. It’s part of our calling. When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it’s happened, you know what it’s like. That’s why I couldn’t quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn’t want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together. 

Trouble is very real in everyone’s life… including ours – and it can tear down and destroy. But Who we take refuge in changes everything. We fail – but we don’t let that define us… Jesus defines us. I want to encourage you (and me) today; don’t give up. Stay focused on Him. Temptation is real; failure is real; trouble is real – but not bigger than Him. It’s important for us to know that a Life in Jesus is not a Life of just sunshine and rainbows – although they are part of it too – there will be trouble. Standing firm in truth is not an easy road, but it is Good; it is Life. And Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

I have Him! Turns out that is all any of us need anyway. Remember that… fight to remember.