DETERMINED

Walking through the State Police Academy door, I felt uneasy, apprehensive and tense. After the year-long application process, I had no idea what to expect. As I timidly approached the sergeant's desk, he eventually looked up and barked, "Take your stuff out of here. This isn't a hotel. Use the back door." Another officer standing inside the back door caused me to wonder why they all had to yell. When I looked down the long hallway, I was amazed at the immaculate and well polished floors and sensed that there was a great custodial staff. At the end of the hall, a young man about my age, who was wearing some type of uniform, scrubbed feverishly on the floor beneath him. I then realized that this was a recruit and soon I would be joining in that labor,as well as many others. When I entered my room, I met the person that I was going to spend many months with, and he was obviously as intimidated as I was. Suddenly a call came over the PA system that the cadets of the 17th class were to report to the stables immediately. There, we were each introduced to the horse that we would be responsible for taking care of daily, and even they were intimidating and seemed unfriendly. During the first week, the rigors of academy training did not allow for much free time. A few of the cadets were seen walking to the front door with suitcase in hand. They already had more than they could take. This was soon dubbed by us who still remained, 'suitcase drill." As the weeks went by, several others folded under the pressure, but I determined that I would endure the training. Ultimately I was rewarded when graduation came.

Many think that once they have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior and attempt to walk closer with Him, that the life in the world would somehow be better with fewer problems, temptations, pain, and sorrow. However, in John 16:33, Jesus says, "God is our refuge and our strength, an ever present help in trouble." If we really want something enough and we are determined to seek after if it is in accordance with God's will, He will make it happen. "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, (eternal life) to those who love Him." James 1:12.

"God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say the arrival would be worth it."

Max Lucado, author

Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:9, Philippians 4:13