Persevering through it all

I have been going through some challenging times as of late, and sometimes it's hard to remember that God is there, He is sovereign and that He has the best interest for me. A few weeks back I posted about my spiritual desert.

After I wrote that post, I began to "climb out of" my poor spiritual state. It always seems as though when we get to a high spot in our lives, God says, "okay, you've mastered this, it's time to go beyond". Sometimes we're eager, willing and ready. Other times, we're worn out and tired. God has placed in front of me new challenges. I have tried faithfully to read my Bible since then and its been great to renew my mind and I continue to do so. However, I feel tired and worn. I feel like I'm trudging up a mountain and the top is miles and miles away. I want to be a deserter many times and go back to where it was easy.

Then I become like Thomas - a doubter. I let doubt set in and I start questioning God. Was this really the best for me? Am I really able to do this? What was I thinking when I signed up for this "job"?! Instead of thinking about other things, questions come flooding. Instead I should be asking myself things like, can I trust God to lead me through this? The answer is obvious because He went before me and endured the Cross. Because of this, I can take heart.

Hebrews 12:1 reminds us (emphasis added),

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

And in Proverbs 3:5-6,

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.