Few roles in life are as hard to grasp as the role of stepmom. When the challenges grow and hope gets scarce, it's hard to believe that you could ever accomplish so many of the things that you want to do. It's hard to believe that your marriage and stepfamily could ever be the place of peace and joy and growth that you once envisioned. Don't despair or give up on that goal. One of the first steps in that direction is a great belief in God's willingness to help you succeed.

Because we enter our stepfamilies with such high hopes and dreams of wonderful times to come, it hurts when all too often, the reality is another kind of dream -- a nightmare of hurt feelings, shattered relationships, painful encounters and draining doubt. Sometimes we lose the belief we had in our chances for success. But God says no. God says to believe in his vision, in his guidance, and in yourself.

Only God knows what your future holds. Only you can do the jobs he has designed specifically for you. Only by believing that he will not lead you astray can you focus on your responsibilities today. He will never ask more than you have to give and he will never send you down the wrong path.

In God's vision, he knows what you are capable of. He knows what you can accomplish as a stepmom in your family. He knows the reasons for your life now, and it's up to you to believe in his judgment. Believe that he knows how to use even the most difficult of circumstances to bring about something good for you. Believe in his vision that sees far more than you see, and then follow him.

God's guidance is always available to you. You will probably need it daily in your life as a stepmom! You will need it in ways large and small, and it will never be late. Believe that God will provide the guidance to direct you, and then commit yourself to listening for him.

The choices that you have to make every day will be some of the hardest you've ever faced. A stepmom's life is unpredictable, but it is still guided by God. Believe that he will be there when you need to talk to him, when you need answers, and when you feel lost. Turn to him for the guidance that you can't seem to find anymore -- and then don't be afraid to respond.

The Lord knows how lost and afraid you are. He knows how easy it is for you to lose faith in yourself and confidence in your abilities. But he still believes in you -- my goodness -- look what a tremendous task he's given you! He wouldn't give such an important and challenging task to someone not worthy or it! No, he knows how strong and capable you are. You need to know it, too.

When the problems get heavy and the outcome looks bleak, believe that you are more than able to handle whatever happens, because God is by your side. Believe in yourself and God's error-free track record -- if he believes in you, surely you can do the same. Believe in a better life and a brighter future for yourself and your family. Believe that you have a crucial part to play, and God will help you.

To help us through the tough times, we need to reaffirm our belief in God and his infinite care. With just one breath, we can help ourselves by believing in his vision for our lives, that he will guide us in the right direction, and that we will be competent and capable, no matter what happens. Pray for a strong belief today.

• Just for today, decide on some improvements that you would like to make in yourself -- more understanding, more tolerance, more patience. Whatever improvements you want, write them down, ask for God's help, and believe that you will make progress today.

• Just for today, believe that God can show you one tiny step you can take toward the wonderful purpose he has for your life. Believe that you will meet any challenge you find today because God is holding you close.