Staying Your Course

by Belinda Blevins

Verse For Thought:
…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews12:1b)
 
The secret to making progress is perseverance with God’s help. God helps us through tough times so we can experience his joy in the process. Today it is hard to think about good when so much is happening with family finances and so many people are losing their jobs. We may get discouraged and face opposition, but no matter what happens, we must keep our focus, and stay on course. Only then will we know the joy of sharing our testimony on a daily basis.
I learned this from my own experience when I lost my job. Day after day I didn’t know what was going to happen. Some days I didn’t want to get up. I just wanted to quit church and stay in bed. I didn’t want to see anyone one. Depression surely sat in. I even questioned, God what are you doing? This reminded me of Peter when he took his eyes off God as he was walking on water. He lost his focus. When I lost my job, I lost my focus, so I had to get my eyes off my situation and get back to walking by faith. I had to learn to be determined to run on and finish my course no matter what was going on and remember it is not how I start, but how I finish.
Christ is the path, Christ is the prize. Today I look back and see that it wasn’t as bad as I thought. God had another plan for me. I was side tracked for a season, but it brought me closer to God. My race of faith is unique because I realize I must be determined. I learned to endure, looking forward to a great finish. You can too!

Let’s Pray:
Father God, thank you for a path to follow even when I don’t know where you are leading me. Help me to persevere when I face trials and get side tracked. Father, help me see you as I run my race. I want to finish the course so I can hear you say, welcome in thy good and faithful servant. In Jesus’ name Amen.

Take the next Step:
Running a race takes qualities. As you run, Endurance and discipline are important. Remember, no looking back. Be determined to finish and encourage others to do the same.