DON’T GIVE UP

DON’T GIVE UP

This post by kathylarkman was originally published at GRACE PLACE

lesley-grindrod

Lesley Grindrod, contributor for today’s blog post

Sisters, like it or not, if we’re alive and breathing right now, we’re all part of a huge marathon race – a race that will not be over until we take our final breath. The course is full of twists and turns, mountains and valleys. There are many hidden obstacles, challenges and even giants on the way, many opportunities to fail; trip up; fall over; be hurt, humiliated or discouraged.
Hebrews 12:1 says we should “… run life’s marathon race with passion and determination, for the path has been already marked out before us.” (The Passion Translation)
I’ve often asked the Lord why my life’s marathon seems to have been so full of obstacles and challenges. I’m not alone – I’m sure we’ve all had times when our race has felt particularly tough and we’ve pitifully cried “Why me, Lord?”
I remember on one of these occasions He led me to the Old Testament stories of how the Children of Israel took possession of the Promised Land. He showed me that to get into my ‘promised land’ I’d have to navigate my way through some wildernesses and fight some pretty ferocious battles. And that my attitude and responses to those obstacles would have a direct bearing on how long they lasted and what fruit they produced!
keep running the raceSo sisters, I have a question for you. In running your race, do you see your daily challenges as obstacles or opportunities? I believe the Lord wants us to see obstacles as a call to strengthen, not to quit! Between you and anything significant there will be giants in your path. No one is immune to problems. Even the lion has to fight off flies! Louisa May Alcott famously said “I am not afraid of storms for I am learning how to sail my ship.”
James 1:2-3 says “…. When it seems as though you’re facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience all the joy that you can. For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things. And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.”
Let’s refuse to become discouraged by temporary setbacks. If you’re encountering some hard bumps, don’t worry – at least you’re out of a rut! Circumstances are not your master – Jesus is! As we run our race, we may encounter puddles on our path, but those puddles can actually be telling us where to step. Remember our Saviour has promised to be our constant companion and guide, even through the darkest of valleys.
The Apostle Paul wrote “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.”
So keep on running sisters – the entire hosts of heaven are cheering for you!