From the moment we are conceived in our mother's womb, until that divinely appointed moment of our departure from this life, the loving hand of God's sovereign mercy is upon us. Someone said, "Grace is God giving us what we don't deserve; mercy is God not giving us what we do deserve." God said to Moses, "... I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy" (Ex. 33:19). The Apostle Paul quoted those very words in Romans 9:15. Then, in the very next verse, he said: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy" (Rom. 9:16). God's elect are just as sinful as the wicked who die in their sins, but our Lord will NEVER have mercy on them. Praise God for Sovereign Mercy! This pilgrimage journey of the believer, from start to finish, is "Grace (unmerited favor) All The Way". The road is often times rocky and rough and steep, and God's children do suffer very difficult and painful trials. But all of these things are according to God's eternal purpose. Beloved, we're only here for a little while, and the Word of God tells us that the sufferings of this life are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Knowing that God Himself has ordained everything we go through for our good and for His glory; and knowing that He has promised to be with us every step of the way, let us not be weary in well doing. Remember, God's grace is sufficient for every trial. Jesus Christ our Saviour has redeemed us with His own precious blood. There's a crown of righteousness waiting for each one of us. All of us will stand face to face before our Blessed Redeemer, and see Him in all His glory. The mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus is worth pressing toward. We're in a race that's worth running. So run, brethren, run, and don't look back! The finish line is closer than we think, and our Lord Jesus is there, ready to receive every vessel of mercy He afore prepared unto glory.