Remember playing “Hide and Seek” as a child? The object of the game was to out maneuver the opponent, to hide and then to touch base before being tagged.

            I am reminded of this game when I face difficulties as I run this race of life. It is at these times I must stand in faith. Regardless of what I see with my natural eyes, I must stay in faith.

            Sooner or later the fact must be faced, “Do I really believe that “all things work together for good” and that I really am called “according to his purpose?” (Romans 8:28)

Do I really believe, “He will keep thee in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee?” (Isaiah 26:31) When a loved one has a serious illness do I have peace? When sleep tries to evade me in the wee hours of the morning, do I really believe that God will make a way?”

            If I choose not to believe then I have no peace at all. Not only have I sinned and wavered in doubt and unbelief, but also I have added to my misery coupled with worry and anxiety. I realize the seriousness of it when I read Revelation 21:8. Being fearful is ranked right along with other serious offenses!

            In my heart of hearts, I know I believe! Yes, I believe…that God guides my every step. In this game of life, we are not alone…and through our trials and struggles, our weaknesses are made strong in God’s strength.

            Think of the most difficult situation in your life. That is the easiest thing for God to handle if not blocked by doubt and unbelief. When you feel life is a battle, hope is still there. When you feel alone, Jesus is still there. When the last breath ends love is still there.

            Each one of us can praise the Lord in the good times, but it takes real faith and courage to praise him when things are not going well. If we truly believe that he is working all things for our good how can we not praise him? It’s a sacrifice to praise him when you’re hurting, but isn’t it a lack of confidence if you don’t? God never abandons his children. He will make a way where there is no way. Our responsibility is to trust him and to give him praise and thanksgiving for the answer.

            This life isn’t over until God says it’s over. He is the hope, the refuge, the everlasting One. Be able to say at night, “Lord, I did better today and will have a better tomorrow.”

            Remember that Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me” (John 14:1). “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8 NIV).

            Would you be happy? I have the answer for you… “But oh, the joys of those who put their trust in him” (Psalm 2:12 TLB). That sums it all up.

            I’m a believer! I shall live one day at a time. I shall praise him each day for the gift of life and I will use it to share his love with others.

            Yes, I believe…because when problems seem overwhelming, I hide “under the shelter of his wings” and the “shadow of the Almighty” for that is where I find his peace.

            Let’s win this game of life

            At life’s end, we arrive at “home free!”

            I just love to win, don’t you?