"The prudent see danger and take refuge…"

In my book Be Worth It (written in German), I write about an encounter in southern France that could've abruptly destroyed my ability to stay on track. I'd like to share this story with you today. I pray it's helpful to you, especially if something is threatening you right now, something in your life that could put your power to stick with it—and ultimately YOU—in jeopardy.

I always have to smile when I go to a particular gym in southern France, because mostly older ladies and gentlemen sit at the exercise machines and just talk. At the same time, they drink coffee together and eat cake! But that's exactly what I love…the informal atmosphere.

In this setting, as I was different from the elderly folks who had no intention of exercising, people tended to notice me…as did the young, well-trained owner who invited me for a drink by the sea every day. But everything in me screamed, "Warning! Warning!" My book includes many more of the crazy details, but to make a long story short, in the end I had to open my own eyes—which is a choice!—to realize, "Someone here is trying mightily to bring me down so I won't publish this book."

The Bible says, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty." (Proverbs 22:3, NIV)

Maybe you don't feel particularly wise and experienced, but you still have the opportunity to ask God for advice! The following verse says, "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4, NKJV)

A year later, I encountered the gym owner again. He was completely broken because his shenanigans with women had destroyed his relationships. There's proof of what happens when we choose not to pursue integrity and faithfulness with God and man.

Now we could talk because now he wanted to listen. He was ready to hear why I'd said no to him before, and he wanted to know why my faith was more important to me. He was ready to accept the truth and allow it into his life.

Your staying power protects your life, and it becomes a blessing to others as well!

Keep persevering in your trust and faith in Jesus!

You are a miracle!

Déborah