A diamond is formed through darkness, depth, intense pressure, and consuming heat; becoming one of the strongest minerals on earth. In a similar way, God is forming us into diamonds through the intensity of our trials.

In this race, we are free to run with joy or with bitterness; to shine forth Christ or extinguish the light; to move forward or lay down in defeat. Which will you choose?

In whatever way you serve—parent, teacher, preacher, elder, deacon, mentor, friend—do not grow weary in doing good. Remember that you are working for the Lord who will not despise your obedient effort.

Worry creates weakness and fear makes feeble, but prayer produces power. Remember this: If it’s worth worrying about, it’s worth praying about.

Today’s passage begins, “Therefore, do not cast away your confidence…” As you read through the Bible, take note of the word, “therefore.” Whenever you spot it, back up a few verses and figure out what it’s there for.

In today’s verse, Paul tells the Galatians to “not grow weary while doing good.” This admonition is necessary for all of us. Satan has no desire to see good works performed and will do everything to thwart them.

This race isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon! Winning a marathon doesn’t take a burst of energy it requires regular, steady effort

Sometimes we need gentle encouragement. If you’re slouching through this race, it’s time to get your eyes off the ground and fix them on Jesus.

Jesus is the ultimate example of endurance. In our race, let’s commit his example to our mind as we run so that we do not grow weary.

Sometimes it feels as though we were born to experience trouble. The race is long. That finish line is barely a dot on the horizon but we must remember that something better and far more glorious is waiting for us, we just have to keep running.