"Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us"

"Anyone who thinks the life of faith is easy - "God has a great plan for your life" - had better check out the reality by reading 2 Corinthians 11:24-28 (NLT)." I agree with the first part of your statement that the life of faith isn't easy, there are struggles and many rough roads to travel. Thankfully, most of us won't have to endure the hardships that St. Paul endured on our behalf over 2000 years ago. However, the real reality is God does have a great plan for our life and His promises are true. We can rely on every word that He has spoken through the prophets and the Bible writers. The secret is in finding joy and contentment despite the seemingly long dry spells that we encounter. We will be tested and we will need to be prepared for the test. But there are no failures in God's classroom - if you fail the test you get to take it over until you pass it. It took the Isrealites 40 years to make an 11 day journey through the desert, but they made it and so will we if we do not lose heart. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. That is a promise that you can count on! Blessings, Abby