This has been a week of many opportunities to be pressed into the Lord, to wholly lean on and trust in Him. I am certain that you too can say the same, for God is working mightily in His people. To the One who knows the beginning from the end, let us yield that we may become all that He has planned and purposed for each of us.

Are you in a hard place?! Let me share some wonderful Scripture verses that will help us place our focus in the right place.

James 1:2-4 in the Living Bible goes right to the matter:
"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don't try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete."

The New King James Version says,
"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials..." Notice it says 'when' not 'if'! God works mightily through these trials to make us "...perfect and complete, lacking nothing."

Only in Christ can we say,
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

How?
"For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them..." Ephesians 2:13 Amplified Bible

"[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." Philippians 2:13 Amplified Bible

Why?
"So that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; joyously giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Colossians 1:10-12

Hebrews 4:13 tells us,
"And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do."

"Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"So we confidently say, 'THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID...'"  Hebrews 13:6

To God be all glory and praise! Hallelujah!