Christ urges God's elect to endure to the end. What is that end? He desires that we persevere through our struggles in faith, building godly character.

Paul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.

A disciple cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against his teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression.

Doubt is not without merit, for it can be a springboard to greater understanding. Doubt drives a Christian to seek God in faith, if he deals with it properly.

Fellowship with God is the only antidote to overwhelming feelings of despair, doubt, and self-condemnation.

We need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.

This is the time to make the most of what we have experienced, establishing our spiritual priorities, and reflecting deeply on why we gave ourselves to God.

Human nature skews our view of reality; there is always more than meets the eye. We would do well to adopt the approach of 'Good or bad, it is hard to say.'

The most formidable foe in our spiritual battle is the flesh. We must mortify, slay, and crucify the flesh, enduring suffering as Jesus Christ exemplified.

We should never be tripped up when we see bad things happen to good people or vice versa, realizing that history is indeed following God's timetable.

We must have the patience to realize that God accomplishes His purpose for us in His time. God's timing is beautiful, taking place at the right time.

Fasting is not for pressuring God or attempting to put Him in debt, but instead to reveal what we really are, clothing us with the humility to yield to Him.