When the storms of life press us on every side; when the gales of rebellion blow and the temptations and trials rain down on us like monsoons, may we be found leaning into the wind, sometimes moving forward, sometimes simply standing, but always with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the "author and finisher of our faith."

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. -Hebrews 10:35-36

      There are seasons in our culture when it seems God is losing the battle. There are days in our generation when the rules of humans defy the commands of God. There are hours in our lives when the choices of the rebellious seem more prosperous than the choices of the faithful.

      In those times, it is easy to grow discouraged, to wonder at the cost of being steadfast when all around us seem to waver. It is easier still, to grow bitter and lash out because the battle goes against us.

      We forget, sometimes, that the battle is already won. That the ruler of eternity is already determined, and that our place in His kingdom has already been purchased by Another. In forgetting this, we allow ourselves to despair and so become less useful in the work of the moment, or the battles of the next day.

      Courage is not merely brave acts in dramatic situations. Courage is perseverance in the face of uncertain outcomes. Courage is commitment to our King and His precepts even when that commitment costs us esteem, acceptance, prosperity. Courage is reflecting God's character even in moments of adversity, even in moments of struggle.

      We must look to our own lives, to our own responses to the commands of God, and seek to be so in synch with His instructions that others will look on us and see His wonder; His redemptive influence; His ability to make the weak strong.

      In a culture intent on doing what is right in its' own eyes, we must recognize our own tendency to do the same, and we must resist it fervently. We must find the will to be faithful in the public moments, when our coworkers are watching our works and hearing our words and judging our God by them. But we can never be faithful in those public moments unless we have mastered the art of surrendering our private moments to faithfulness as well.

      God is not losing, and we cannot afford the luxury of self-pity and doubt. The souls of even those who most vocally oppose Him, and who taunt His followers most harshly, are often those closest to surrendering to Him. Many are simply waiting on word that redemption is available to them, too, watching for signs that somebody---anybody---stands firm in the faith and boldly declares "I stand with Christ."