Been reflecting on the incredible journey toward the finish line of wholeness and completeness in Jesus. If I had a dollar for the times I wanted to throw in the towel and run away; I would be a gazillion-aire! I am really glad Papa's mercy and grace intervened and gave me the spiritual 'uumph' to take another step.
Just think of what we would have missed otherwise: growing old with your lover, watching your children grow and become all that Papa has called them to be, being a grandparent (which is really close to right at the top) and reaching your called and gifted destiny in Christ. All of the above has had a common denominator; "endurance".
Endurance: the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. The easy stuff in the journey we seem to breeze through. The harder stuff requires a full measure of endurance. What then is at the heart of endurance?
"Let us run with endurance the race set out before us..." I have discovered four keys to staying the course when times become hard and/or adverse.
Remain Strong: "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the Lord is finished." 1 Chronicles 28: 20, The Message. "With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don't hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." 1 Corinthians 15: 58, The Message.
Remain Courageous: God said to Joshua after the death of Moses: "In the same way I was with Moses, I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage!...Give it everything you have, heart and soul!" The same is true for us: he won't give up, leave, or forsake us. Courage is staying the course when the problems become overwhelming or the journey seems to get too long.
Remain Faithful: "It's impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him." Hebrews 11: 6, The Message. Faithfulness is a decision to acknowledge, to trust, and to remain in God's presence, power, provision, and perspective no matter the circumstances.
Remain Resolute: "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling". Phil. 2: 12. It does not say "work" to get your salvation. That is a gift of grace, received by faith in the finished work of Christ. But, we are to follow through with a resolute determination and willingness to transform good intentions into obedient activity.
Of course; we remain strong, courageous, faithful and resolute only in the power of His might. Everything necessary to make it to the finish line is in Christ!
I will see you at the finish line! In the grip of His grace, Ron Ross
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