When I began to write this blog, I started to wonder when was the very first momentthat I began to believe in Jesus Christ. I cannot remember a time in my life when I didnot believe in Jesus. It is not like I grew up in the Church and when I was young, I wentto Church, but not every Sunday, mainly on Easter. The only time I read the Bible waswhile in church.I believe in Christ because it is the Lord’s will for me to do so. I know that the HolySpirit dwells in me, and that Spirit is greater than any other power on this earth. In 1John 4:4 we are told, “   But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won avictory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who livesin the world.” He is my protection. It is my confidence.I do not doubt it. I accept it. I have read and memorized the 23rd Psalm from childhoodbut did not really know its meaning until the saving grace of it played out in my life.I was in the valley; disobedient; ignoring all gut warnings; putting myself in harm’s way.The Lords rod and staff were, and still are, my protection and comfort. Jesus led mebeside still waters and green pastures with renewed strength and more belief than ever.I believe because Jesus never left my side. With disobedience comes correction. I takemy father’s correction over the world’s correction all the days of my life.I know there are many reasons why a person might not believe in the Father, and theSon and the Holy Spirit. Some, however, might stop believing and I cannot speak onthose things because I have believed in the Lord in the toughest of times in my life. Eachadversity brought me more faith, strength, and rejuvenation, if not alwaysunderstanding. Adversity is how Jesus has grown me.~ How is my faith going to be strengthened if I do not go through anything? ~ What can I testify to if I have not been a witness to what the Lord has brought methrough?~ How can I be a comfort to someone else with the comfort the Lord has given me ifI have not gone through anything?You know how many times I have read the scripture verse, 2 Corinthians 12:9-11,“Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’spower may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, ininsults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I amstrong,” and thought hog wash? Well, it is true that when I am weak, then I am strong.It is my belief that faith is brought on by seeing the Lord’s faithfulness play out in yourown life. It is very personal.It all begins with want, a want that only Jesus can fill. I have never in my life gonethrough a difficulty and not come out better than I was before it. God is not going to takeaway every difficulty, but He will strengthen us and walk through it with us. We knowthis as we are told His “grace is sufficient for you; His power is made perfect in yourweakness. Therefore, we can boast all the more gladly about our weaknesses, so thatChrist’s power may rest on us.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.Prayer: Heavenly father, thank you for restoring me. I thank your for not giving up onme. The knowledge that there is not one thing or person who can snatch me away fromyour plan for my life is overwhelming. You are my shepherd and I thank you for your all-encompassing love, provisions, faithfulness, protection, devotion, direction, andteachings. Amen.GL