Julie had been married only a year when she suffered a massive stroke that left her unable to walk or talk. Her parents offered to take the responsibility for her care so that her husband Mark could be free, but he refused. For 25 years now, he has continued to love and care for Julie.

Many people might feel sorry for Mark, saying that he has foolishly deprived himself of the only good that life can offer—present happiness. But Mark doesn't need their pity, because he has strong faith in Christ.

As Christians, we love God because He first loved us, and we have made obedience to God our highest delight. Our love relationship with Him makes this obedience a source of joy instead of an oppressive burden. Nonbelievers ask, "How can you be happy when you have to forfeit so much?" The answer is simple: We can look at life from the perspective of eternity because we have been "born of God." John wrote, "This is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith" (1 Jn. 5:4). God gives those who trust and obey Him the confidence that what He has for us is better than anything the world can give us. He makes us victors.

Because we know His love and walk by faith, we can live victoriously in all our circumstances.  — Herbert Vander Lugt