I'll never forget all the trials we went through to obtain the Compaq Center. From the outside, most people saw Joel standing strong in faith—and he was. We both knew it was God no matter what the circumstances looked like. But what most people didn't see is how he pressed through when he became incredibly sick physically during that time. But, he never skipped a beat. He did what he knew he had to do and just kept pressing forward beyond the way he felt in his body.
One day, he felt so sick that when he got dressed to attend the trial, he slipped a plastic bag in his boot "just in case." He showed up with a smile. He didn't complain about how sick he was. He didn't even tell anyone. He just stayed focused and was ready to do whatever he needed to, and God honored his faith.
Sometimes we look at other people and think they make it look so easy. But you never know what that person is going through behind the scenes. Joel's faith is always such an encouragement to me, and I pray it is an encouragement to you, too. Remember, the enemy always fights the hardest when God has His greatest work in your future. Keep standing in faith. Keep believing and keep moving forward. Trust God beyond the way you feel and let Him lead you into victory!
"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV