He Will Not Leave You or Forsake You

HOPE AND COURAGE GO HAND IN HAND.

When you are waiting, waiting, waiting for longed-for answers to prayer, it takes courage to continue hoping in Me.

The world, the flesh, and the devil all tell you it's easier to just give up and give in to dull disappointment.

In a sense, this is true. To keep praying with positive expectation requires a lot of effort and perseverance; giving up is momentarily easier.

However, a resigned, I-give-up attitude is always hurtful in the long run.

Often, this leads to cynicism—and eventually to despair.

So it's well worth the effort to keep your hopefulness alive.

Courage comes from the French word for "heart."

Since I live in your heart, you can call upon Me to help you live courageously—facing adversity or danger with confidence and determination.

I am well aware of your circumstances, and I take pleasure in helping you cope with them.

So stand firm in My strength, beloved, refusing to give in or give up.

I take pleasure in you always, but especially when you are bravely hoping in My steadfast Love.

- from " Jesus Today " by Sarah Young

Stay Strong!

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
—Deuteronomy 31: 6 NKJV

"I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe."
—Ephesians 1: 18–19

"The LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love."
—Psalm 147: 11 E