Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV): Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
You have probably noticed how last week’s devotional was missing or how the others hardly ever come out on the same week day. Well, see… what had happened was… But seriously, it can be difficult at times to maintain a steady course in this faith run/walk. Take these weekly thoughts, for instance. I know this is one of the things God would have me to do to encourage and strengthen my brothers and sisters in the faith. However, “life happens”, as the cliché goes, and I’m thrown off track. When that occurs I find myself saying, “It was nice while it lasted.”
So many times we get discouraged by our perceived under-performance or our apparent failures. We beat ourselves over the head with self-depreciating words or enter into some form of depression or indifference. If we keep looking down at our feet instead of at the finish line in front of us we will continue to think defeat and stumble.
The Scripture passage above follows the great faith chapter (Hebrews 11) and is worth committing to memory. It tell us where to look and what to do to finish this spiritual marathon we’re in. Oh no, it is not a sprint but a run that requires endurance.
Enduring is getting back on this keyboard…again. It’s getting back on your knees…again. It’s reading your Bible…again. It’s taking up your cross daily…again. It’s surrendering your life, your sins, and your grudges to the LORD…again. It’s asking for forgiveness and walking the road of repentance…again. It’s loving the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and your neighbor as yourself…again. It’s receiving God’s love…again. It’s looking unto Jesus…again.
Keep on keeping on …in Jesus’ power…again.
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*A revision of Thursday’s Thought – May 22, 2008, “Keep On Keeping On”. ©2008. F.Y.I.: devotionals are written by Victor R.T. Wilson, as God impresses. I thought this message was worth repeating and re-applying.
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