In the mid-20th century a musician named Albert Goodson wrote a song titled “We’ve Come This Far by Faith.” It soon became popular because it reminded believers to hold on steadfastly to the hope of God’s promises never to leave or forget about his children. Even when it may seem that hard times are stacked against them, followers of Christ can know that God’s gift of faith has brought them where they are and will carry them through.

As humans living in a world that is broken by sin, we are all vulnerable to hurt, pain, sadness, and loss. Many—if not all—of us have experienced the trials of life and have been bruised by them. As Christians, we know that we live in between the fallen nature of this world, which is merely a shadow of things yet to come, and the fullness of life in a world that will one day be fully restored. As the body of Christ, we eagerly await the fullness of life, and in the meantime we continue to lean on the Lord, unmoved by the trials and temptations of life.

Ultimately we rely on the Word of God as our source of life. And in hope we can join together, encouraging one another and building each other up as we journey through life in faith.