For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim. 1:12.

At times the temptation is to get discouraged and give up. We are tempted to feel that we are not going to make it. The apostle Paul is fully persuaded of the keeping power of Christ. This is the privilege of us all. Be assured that He who loves us so greatly as to call us to Himself, will henceforth love us enough to keep us safe. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Ps. 42:11).

His arm is not shortened that he cannot save us to the uttermost. He is near to us when we pray. If we kept a daily record of all His mercies, we would never doubt His faithfulness. There is not a page of Scripture that does not speak of His love and power to save. "He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" (Rom. 8:32).

That we will accomplish all we undertake here and now is by no means certain. When the time comes for us to go, everything about us is incomplete. But God never leaves the work of His hands imperfect. He never grows weary in well doing. He never gets discouraged with us because of our failures. The more we need Him, the more certain we are of securing His help. "This is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing" (John 6:39). "I give unto them [my sheep] eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand" (chap. 10:28).

In this very day, God is sealing His children here below with a seal that no power on earth will be able to break. Take courage. However small the progress, do not lose heart. Be assured that He who has lighted your lamp, though it may burn dim at times, will never extinguish it, but will pour fresh oil into your lamp that it may give more light. Trust in God. What you cannot do by yourself, God can do. He is your strength. Your responsibility is to commit your life to Him, to walk with Christ.