I was on the way home from CYT tonight (something that will be talked about in many, many of my posts!) and just thinking about everything that's happened in these past few months in my spiritual life, and what a roller coaster it has been. God has changed my heart completely, and I know that I won't be the same. No, it has not been easy. It will never be, with God. In fact, James 1:2-3 tells us, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (NASB). This reminder has never been more true than lately, because I have had to work like never before to keep hold of my faith, the very thing that has kept me afloat for my entire life. But I have never been alone. God promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. When one trains for a race, he trains in the way that will build up his body to give him the best chance of winning. Very rarely does he do this completely alone, however. He has by his side trainers and fellow athletes cheering him on, giving him advice, encouraging him and running the race with him. God is just like this. We are constantly in training for the most grueling event we will ever take part in: showing His light to others. But we are never running alone. He is beside us every step, challenging us to go farther, run harder, and, most importantly, to lean on Him when we are at our weakest and allow Him to carry us along whatever route He may choose. At some point He will put our feet back on the ground and let us run a little more on our own two feet, but God will always be both one step ahead and one step behind us, to lead the way and to catch us if we stumble. In both of these we need to fully trust that He knows the path and will catch us safely in His loving arms. He will never, ever leave us nor forsake us.