From trying to get pregnant for years, to 9 months of pregnancy...there was a great deal of patience and endurance that led us to the picture of me holding this little girl in my arms. It wasn't always easy, but anything worth having in this life rarely is. When my patience felt like it was running short, or my heart grew weary from waiting, I turned to God, and He renewed my strength. I often pictured Him as my marathon coach, cheering and spurring me on to run that last little bit, to make it one step closer to the finish line...and so it is with our life's journey.

There will always be seasons of endurance that we must go through, because the bible tells us this life is like a race that each of us must run in order to win the ultimate prize; A life lived to fulfill our purpose, which is to bring Him honor and glory!

When the journey gets tough or the road seems long, keep your eyes from looking at the bleachers full of nay-sayers, or looking around at others who may be further ahead than you. Instead, fix your gaze on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and trust that He will give you all you need to finish your race with triumph! See each step as one step closer to the goal He set before you, and look to Him for grace and strength to make it through each day!

Along the way the author of every good and perfect gift will place a prize in your hands for your patience endurance, and you will know that every step of trusting in His faithfulness always pays off, and that He will never let you down!