August 22

But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. — 2 Tim 3:14 BSB

Many hindrances meet the child of God on the path to heaven, and if it weren’t for the grace of God, these hindrances would succeed in turning us away from the faith. When we face a strong headwind, when the storm beats against us and the waves rise high, it can feel like we’re getting nowhere. We fear we might be like the children of Ephraim, who turned back in the day of battle, even though they were armed and ready. Yet, by the grace of God, even if we’re driven aside for a moment, our face remains set toward Zion.

I can testify that every trial I’ve faced, every temptation I’ve endured, and every persecution I’ve encountered—whether from sinners or saints—has only served to make the truth of God more deeply rooted in my heart. Instead of being driven away from faith, as Satan would desire, I’ve found that these inward and outward trials only strengthen my grip on the truth and my love for it. Instead of weakening my faith, they have strengthened, encouraged, and confirmed it.