And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. - Luke 9:23, NASB95

Any true follower of Christ knows that we have to make deliberate choices to follow Him, and that sometimes it's so hard, it seems impossible. We often feel we've failed. But that's just a feeling, thank goodness--and He helps us keep on keeping on!

He is the One Who helps us keep going. He is the One Who helps us not to quit.

Ask me how I know. 

He wants us not to be in the spin cycle, not to stress, but to rest and trust in Him.

Easier said than done, but the more you practice, the better you can be at it. 

We have to choose to release our fears and frustrations to Him; to "cast our cares" on Him, and know that He cares, that He is working 24/7 to help us, and that, as we continue to do what we know to do, including making corrections as He shows us, then it will be well with us. 

Sometimes, of course, the "writing is on the wall," and we ares supposed to walk away. That can be hard, too, especially if others who care for you don't agree. 

However, when you know that you know that you know that God is giving you a direction, you must go with it. It may be hard to make, but it will be worth it. If you heart is right (and none of ours are perfect, but when we trust in the LORD, it is counted to us for righteousness (Genesis 15:6), the LORD will help and keep you, and have mercy on you. He will work all things together for your best and His glory, and even use what the enemy throws at you; He'll turn it into good (Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20).

It is written, when we are weak, He (Jesus) is strong! Hallelujah!

Sometimes, that means (as I've discovered in 57 years!) just forgetting the dishes or postponing calls or appointments, and taking a nap! Simple, right? Even medical science backs up the power of a nap; rest!

As I've started telling my dear husband the past couple years, Jesus took naps, and He is our Example (Mark 4:38)! 

At the core, it goes against the pride and independence of human nature to depend on someone else, especially Someone we cannot see. 

Many depend on "spirit guides" (which are really demons!) or crystals or other non-living junk for strength. 

In reality, the Living God, the LORD Jesus Christ, Who is the King of kings and the LORD of lords, is the only true Source of our strength. He is the Author and Giver of life, and He gives us every breath! 

 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made  heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: - Acts 14:15, KJV

It comforts me to know that, no matter what, the LORD loves me with perfect love. He loves us His kids always, in all ways, and is smiling at us. He is not mad at us! He will help us, and even when we fall, He helps us back up.

For the Lord GOD helps Me, Therefore, I am not disgraced; Therefore, I have set My face like flint, And I know that I will not be ashamed. - Isaiah 50:7, NASB95

He is our joy and our strength and our shield. He is our Life! 

He will help us through the hard times to keep on trusting Him!

Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. They lift Him up in books (P.O.W.E.R. Girl!; LEGACY; Visions of the King; Your Holy Health; more); presentations; service in church, community, and the world; and via the "River Rain Creative" (300 videos) and "POWERLight Learning" You Tube channels.