Jotham Rodriguez

When I think about this is hard a lot of the time to stay strong and be fighting for the Lord when the world makes it seem easier to be against him and almost sometimes rewarded for it. What helps me is to keep in mind that the Lord (Jesus) is also fighting for us. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10. We may endure trial and sometimes it seems too much to bear but we literally need God to love and it is my belief that this is to strengthen us not to harm us along with the reward of treasures in heaven. He promises that we will never be tempted more than we can bear. If we turn from the Lord it realistically makes it harder to get back on the right track and even harder to succeed and enjoy life even though the world promises pleasure by temptation the Lord warns us to avoid sin for our own good anyway as Proverbs 2 states 7He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.

I think that one of the hardest things I struggle with is giving literally everything up for God. Fearing persecutions, and giving literally everything including my body in that case is not always and easy thing to wrap my mind around. Being a young American with all my person desires getting the idea in my head that this life is his can be slightly uncomfortable but this is a good reminder of it and God likes to remind me himself. This life mind body spirit and soul is his but that does not mean i cannot still enjoy it and i should rejoice in this especially the soul part!!