"Keep your joy in the tough times"

(Hebrews 12:2, NLT)Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.The way that Christ endured the pain of the cross was that He knew it was a part of the process of redeeming us. He knew it wasn’t permanent. He wasn’t going to stay on the cross. He kept looking forward to the joy that was coming.What am I saying? Keep your joy in the tough times. Don’t run away from the process. When it doesn’t make sense, when you don’t understand it, when it’s taking longer than you thought, remind yourself that it’s only temporary. The process is not working against you, it’s working for you. It’s what’s getting you prepared. Don’t look back and don’t fall into self-pity. Keep looking forward through the process. Keep doing the right thing. Don’t let disappointments talk you out of it. Don’t let delays cause you to give up. Don’t let the difficulties keep you from doing the right thing. The joy is coming, the dream is coming, the right person is coming, the breakthrough is coming.“Father, thank You that Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the joy of redeeming me. Thank You that there is a process involved in tough times that is working to get me prepared for what You want in my life. I look forward to what You have for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”Send us Fan Mail Pastor Ricardo and Nuvia McCalla and company