When faced with life's challenges, we need to learn how to stand and remain committed during hard and complicated times, instead of taking flight when things become difficult or problematic. I guess one could say that is practicing the art of being optimistic. But God has put something more on the inside of each of us than just being optimistic; something that helps us stand when life becomes challenging. From time to time, all of us have been faced with complex issues in life. Unfortunately, it is in those times-the testing times-that some people will give up on life. But for those who know who God is, who they are, and what their purposes are in life; have learned to stand and be committed in difficult times. In the book of Joshua 1:9 (AMP), God first asks Joshua a question and then tells him, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified or dismayed (intimidated), for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." We have that same powerful presence of God available to us today. Once we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior; we come to know and realize that God is with us. It's also important to understand that we have available to us his grace, love, faithfulness, and mercy. With all of that available to us, we should feel empowered to being committed during hard and difficult times. This is why it is important for us not to become settled in our hardships or difficulties, or to take on a defeated attitude towards life. But we should continue trusting and believing God as we go through our difficulties; knowing that God always has a way out. First Corinthians 10:13-14 states, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." The Word continues to encourage us in Ecclesiastes 9:4: "anyone who is among the living has hope-even a live dog is better off than a dead lion!" It is my belief that God has put in each of us an inner strength and peace that we must learn how to tap into, obtain, and walk in. This inner strength is available to each of us if we believe, respect, and receive it so that we can be committed in difficult and uncertain times.