You are not alone!

S and you sometimes think about why he is still trying to live as a Christian, you're not alone. If you occasionally feel you are not making much progress in their spiritual growth, you're not alone.

If you often think that no one else seems to be struggling with the problems the way you are, you're not alone. If you feel the temptation to give up, you're not alone. Many Christians sometimes feel the same way.

There are many things that discourage Christians. Sometimes we become restless with these trials (using the language of Paul - 1 Thessalonians 3:3, where he comments on the chase).

Our own failures may serve to discourage us. The size of some of the spiritual and moral challenges we face can be overwhelming for us. Sometimes Christians are simply "overcome" the difficulties of life that even people in the world face.

Some get discouraged when they are reprimanded by others, even when the rebuke is deserved. The sins of other Christians, especially the hypocrisy, can make us discouraged.
We need to remember several things to not give up. The apostle Peter said to his readers "not strange concerning the fiery trial which is among you" (1 Peter 4:12). Indeed, "all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12).

The afflictions are still true and often difficult, but should not be unexpected. And do not forget: we have the example of Jesus to encourage us (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Those who suffer from personal problems or weakness of character often think that nobody else has similar difficulties. They look at the other brothers and see the calm exterior, but not the internal difficulties.

We can not justify our own weakness, the weakness of others, but we must also recognize that others are in the same battle against the flesh that we are.Regardless of what kind of temptation we face, there is something uniquely ours (1 Corinthians 10:12).

We understand the wisdom of the admonition of James: "Confess your sins to one another" (5:16). We can not just pray for each other, but we also learn of our common challenges against evil.

We must remember that God has promised to empower us through His Word, to give us everything we need for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). He gave us brothers, although imperfect, to encourage us (Acts 28:15, Hebrews 10:24-25).

Finally, we must take courage from the fact that God does not abandon his children. The same love which moved the Father to send His Son to die on a Roman cross is even more certain to continue to justify and sanctify those who responded to his offer of grace (Romans 5:5-10).

David faced Goliath with courage, even as a young shepherd carrying only a sling and five smooth stones. He knew that God was with him. You are not alone!

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