This morning, I was praying and thinking about what our message would be today.  My eyes are itching terribly, I am terribly stressed about my new family, my new apartment, Christmas, my health and I was physically tired and mentally drained and feeling discouraged about starting the week so poorly. . .  Then God reminded me that everyone goes through adversity at times and discouragement was nothing more than a lack of faith, that He is in control and that His will is being done.  My task is to keep doing what is right, even if it doesn’t seem to be paying off.

At the end of it all: I am clean and sober, I am at work with a bunch of people that have my best interests at heart, I am with a team that will help pull through the adversity ahead and I have a God who loves me and wants to help me.

I know this next part is difficult, but does anyone else have a burden that they would like to share with us?

A few verses were traipsing around in my head and after a little research I thought I would present these to you about perseverance:

James 1:12 “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Psalm 112: 1, 7-8 “Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord. They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord. Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid.”

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

With these in mind, our topic is Safety – We continue to follow our safety guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone around us, even when it seems tedious.

We are J-Bar.