By: Lynda Shadel
One of my routes for walking the dogs requires me to take the same road there and back. At the end of the woods is a tree that I touch to make sure I complete the walk and return home. Now, I have to admit there are times when I want to stop short of the tree—but my commitment to touching that tree keeps me going.
Sometimes, when things get hard, I want to stop short in my walk with God and not go the extra mile. I have to remind myself of my commitment, persevere through the bad times, and hold on to the hope of the good to come.
Romans 5:5 says, “We know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character hope.”