Then King David went in and sat before the LORD and prayed, "Who am I, O Sovereign LORD, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?" - 1 Samuel 7:18

How gracious is God, that we are still alive today? I meditated on that scripture this morning, and this is what came to mind.

People are dying everyday. Accidents, suicides, murders and tragedies occur daily throughout the world. Every few seconds, someone is about to kill themselves. Daily or weekly, accidents happen that cause unfortunate deaths. Every day, the news portray nothing but chaos, distraught, and war happening all over the world. The tragedies and the results of these articles produce nothing but fear, anxiety, and worry throughout their viewers or readers. All of us are standing right in the middle of all of these problems. To top it off, we have our own problems at home every day. We have financial struggles and emotional problems. Maybe it becomes difficult to pay the bills on time and families make it through another month, just in the nick of time. Perhaps a young teenager is struggling to find himself in the midst of his high school years, attempting to make the right decisions about who to hang around with. All of these issues torment and haunt us throughout our lives.

Still, while the troubles of life continue to poison our optimism, I remind myself of how far I've made it throughout my life. His grace continues to guide me wherever I go, helping me take on responsibilities that I never thought that I could handle in my own abilities. Jesus said in John 16:33 "In this world, you will endure trials and tribulations; but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world." Jesus overcame every situation and every hardship in his 33 years of living on Earth. He made it.

Up until now, I have realized how he still keeps us in good health. He gives us the might to wake up everyday. He continues to make great things happen in our lives, despite the challenges that the world may be facing.

I woke up this morning and felt the desire to write a poem called "Made it This Far." This month marks my sixth year anniversary of making the decision to give my heart and my will to serve God. I've battled through all the struggles that are mentioned earlier in the paragraphs, but I have withstood every trial and circumstance that has approached my way.

What awes me is that God doesn't stop believing in us. Sometimes, I don't even count the days; I just focus on seeking God daily. I am amazed that I have endured six years of trials and victories. We've made it this far, but this doesn't mean that we should stop. It is time to press on, just like David pressed onto what was in store of him!