\Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations.... Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah\'s womb was also dead.  Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised.\ Romans 4:18-21 
 
I believe that many of us in God\'s kingdom deal with half-truths when it comes to our faith. We, like Abraham, have no trouble facing the facts about our present situations as dismal as they may be. But, unlike Abraham, we struggle greatly with accepting the fact of God\'s presence with us in every situation. As God promised the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:8) and also promised Joshua (Joshua 1:5), he makes the same promise to us (Hebrews 13:5): \Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you\  These are not just idle words, they are promises from God!
 
Growing up in the South Bronx there were many bleak realities that I faced daily, which only increased as I grew older. Ultimately I found myself sitting behind bars because of bad decisions that I had made. But thanks to the early influences of my grandmother, who took me to Sunday school and church EVERY SUNDAY,  I learned about a God who was greater than my circumstances. While in prison I began to read my Bible every day and pray to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Joseph. I began to believe that God had great plans for my life, although I could not see them.  That was nearly 18 years ago and today, by God\'s grace, I have the privilege of serving as an evangelist in His kingdom. 

I don\'t know where you are in your faith today, but I do know that there is something that God wants you to hold on to: \being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry on to completion...\ (Philippians 1:6). God wants to complete the work that He has begun in your life. Let\'s make decisions today to believe the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. 

Will Ashley 
Evangelist (East Cities)
Metro Heights Region