It's been quite a few years since the Lord first showed me this verse in the Message Bible, but I still keep it on a sticky note on my desk. It reminds me that my belief in God and His Word can make the difference between victory and defeat - and success and failure - in every situation I face.

In a life-or-death situation in the Bible, Jesus said, "Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear; only keep on believing." (Mark 5:36 AMP) I have noticed that when I become fearful about something, my faith has faltered. On the other hand, when I am believing God for His best, the hope that springs up in me fills me with courage and strength. Then, I am able to move forward in faith, and to make the progress God had in mind for me all along.

Most of the time, if we want to "get what [we're] looking forward to," we are going to have to "keep on believing," because the enemy of our souls and his cohorts are actively opposed to us getting our prayers answered. Don't be surprised if, as soon as you begin believing God for your healing, you come up against some serious resistance. Or, if you decide that you are going to stand on God's promises for debt-free living, that things don't go the way you planned. Satan is not going to roll out the red carpet when you get serious about living the abundant life Jesus died for you to have. No, he's going to do whatever he can to ruin your testimony and your witness, so that you don't inspire too many people to live for God.

I don't know what you are up against today, but I can tell you this - if you make up your mind to "keep on believing" God and His promises, no person on earth, and no devil in hell, can keep you from receiving your breakthrough!

Prayer: Lord, whenever I begin struggling with fear or dread, deliver me from ALL my fears according to Your Word. (Psalm 34:4) Help me to spend regular time with You in the Scriptures, and show me the divine promises You would have me pray and stand on in every situation. Strengthen my resolve to obtain every good thing that You have ordained for me in this life, as well as in the next. Thank You that as I stay in faith day in and day out, I WILL get what I am looking forward to!