By Tom Shanklin

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2, KJV.

Every morning Susan and I pray for the friends and partners of this ministry. We pray for your needs. We pray about your struggles. We pray about the things we know about. We pray about the things that only the Lord knows about. As we pray, we feel His compassion for you!

Some are facing the loss of a loved one. Some are struggling with great needs in their life or ministry. Others are looking for a way to feed the orphans under their care. God sees your faithfulness. Remember, whatever the need is, He is your source!

Life can be challenging! Family problems, social conflicts, financial difficulties, health issues and upheaval in the world—all these things can add up to the perfect storm and make you feel that there is no way out.

But thankfully, you are not alone in the storm. Jesus has said, “I will not leave you comfortless.” (John 14:18) Another translation says “I will not leave you as orphans.” Jesus is the One who will carry you through the storm.

Keep your eyes on Jesus! He is the author and finisher of your faith. That means that He is not just interested in getting you started in the Christian life, but also seeing you through to the finish line. He paid the price to give you the victory. Look to Him as the Author and the Finisher. See Him running the race with you, encouraging you on. Do not let the troubles of this world distract you from seeing the power of God in your life. The “Author and Finisher” will see you through to victory.

You need to be encouraged—God is not done with your life. He still has plans for you. He met with Moses in the wilderness when He was eighty years old and gave him a new ministry. Your strength may be little, but His strength is great. That is why you must get your eyes off of yourself and your problems and get your eyes on Jesus. He, and He alone, is the strength of your life. When you look to Him, you can draw on His strength, you can draw on His wisdom, you can draw on His healing virtue.

When someone is traumatized through an accident and is “losing it,” the EMT comes to rescue them and says to the victim, “Look at me!” When the traumatized person looks into the eyes of their rescuer, they find a point of reference in their circumstance and stability comes. How much more will you find stability in your situation by looking into the eyes of Jesus?

Fix your eyes on Jesus! See Him in the Scriptures. See Him through the eyes your heart. See Him in your daily life—in your interactions, in your work, in your challenges. He is there with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.

And remember, we are praying for you everyday!