Life.

"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." Hebrews 12:1

Christianity is hard, or maybe I should say life is hard. The older I get the more I realize this is true. I´m not a kid anymore, and I know it´s only going to get tougher. A lady from church reminded me of this yesterday.

People who think that once they have accepted Christ into their hearts their lives will now be pain free are in for a big let down. I was reading Isaiah 40 last night and verse 30 caught my eye; ¨Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall.¨ As I read this I thought this is so true. I have been feeling this way lately.

In December I was really sad to think that I would be leaving Panama in a few months, but these past few days I have been deeply craving home. I have been craving small things such as my bed, but deeper than that I have longed for what´s familiar, safe and comfortable. However, there are two things wrong with this picture. First of all, if I think that life back in Canada is going to be perfect I am completely mistaken. Just like there are challenges here in Panama so I will also face hardships in Canada. Tomorrow will bring its share of new problems. Secondly, I know that my character is being fashioned and developed as the Lord continues to polish and refine me here. Although, it´s not easy I will continue to run the race as God has called me to do. I desire to finish the race strong in Panama. I love how Isaiah 40 states that God will not grow tired or weary. Thank God for this truth.

I woke up in the middle of the night with the chorus of a song called "All that I can do." I leave you with it.

All that I can do is hold onto you
And follow where you lead
Where you're leading me
All that I can do is hold onto you
And let you bring me through
It's all that I can do

All that I can do is hold onto Jesus and I can't think of anything that makes me feel more secure than that. He's reaching for your hand too. All you need to do is grab onto it.

Keep fighting the good fight.

Raquel