I am sure in your lifetime each of you has had at least
one trip. One vacation, or time to visit someone else.
You had to stay the course to get from point A to point
B so your trip could be a success. This called
for perseverance and dedication to get from
where you were, to where you wanted to go.

This would stand true for any goals we have
that are worthy. If we want to change ourselves,
and grow and prosper as a person it takes
commitment, dedication and the ability
to stay the course until we reach our goal,
and stick with it. Many people seem to have
a problem with commitment, they get tired,
weary, and often give up. They say oh well,
and then go on and find something else to do.

I have often thought about my husband who has
had such severe damage to his heart, and been
through so many procedures. He had 3 cardiac
arrests in a hour. 95 percent of the people who
have the first one die. Yet God spared him.
What did my husband do? He changed everything.
He quit smoking, he worked out everyday (still does)
and he fought whatever internal battles that came
about when the fear might rage within him. He changed
his diet, and stayed with it. He fought
and won. Even though he has had several serious
cardiac events since then, and many procedures,
I have yet to see him waver in his determination
to beat the odds, and live well while he has time.
He has perseverance and commitment to live and thrive.

Almost all of his friends who had the same thing have
passed away. They would not change, they kept smoking
they would not walk, and they ate whatever they wanted.

This says a lot about the power to overcome if we keep
our eyes on the goal, and do not lose hope.

What about Olympic competitors? They spend hours
and years working on their skills, never losing sight
of the goal. Putting all else aside to achieve these
things that their heart desires, and longs to win.
They do not give up, but stay the course.

What about a soldier in the middle of war? Do they
allow the onslaught of the enemy to deter them from
their course? Do they allow fear to rule their spirit?
Their discipline and training and commitment carry
them through each thing they must face, and they
face it with courage and hope. A great example for all
of us.

What do you have within your life today that you need to change?
Have you put it on the back burner? Have you given up?
Do you feel despair, fear, lack of courage, or hopelessness?

What will you do about it?

To stay the course means we do not give up no matter
what the odds are. We face it with courage and strength,
and fight the good fight of faith. Although I do not have
the huge battles my husband has with his heart, I do
have very difficult health problems that are wearing, constant,
and really challenging daily. But I have learned that each
day is a gift. There is something good, and wise and hopeful
I can accomplish each day. And I don't want to waste them.
They are my gift.

God wants you to stay the course, and find strength in
him every morning. He wants to hear your voice, to
hear your problems, he wants to guide you and lead you.
He can do this through his word which speaks to your spirit,
or that still small voice that speaks to your heart, or sometimes
through a dear friend who will encourage you in the Lord.

Are you open? Are you listening? Isn't life about making
it the best you can? You only have one life.

Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and HE shall strengthen
thy heart, wait I say on the Lord.
Psalm 27:14

Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
(for He is faithful that promised) Hebrews 10:23

Faith clings to God in expectation, not wavering, but knowing
God's abilities are unlimited.

Fear robs us of faith, and brings us defeat, and every dark
thing.

Seek that which is good and rebuke evil.
Stay the course. Find comfort in God first thing each day
and through out the day. And plant His word in your heart
so that as troubles rise, the word of God will rise your spirit
and comfort and strengthen you. God will use the verses
you plant in your heart to encourage you and bring you hope.
A needful thing for sure.

love always
millie

Only one life will soon be past
Only what is done for Christ will last