On Staying The Course…

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I used to think I needed endurance to run the race and always saw it in terms of the strength to persevere in the face of pain, problems and trials. But I find that I need special grace and a double measure of endurance when the going is hunky dory so to speak! Life is good, I have so many blessings and in this cocoon of comfort I find my closeness with my Father slipping. It gets harder to find time to spend in prayer, harder to meditate on His Word and harder to sit in His Presence and just be.

Sometimes I would rather have the pain and problems of affliction because then I go in search of Him with a sincere heart! It’s so easy to become comfortable, read lukewarm! And that’s the worst place to be spiritually or otherwise!

As the author of Hebrews says, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” *

The clue here is to look to Jesus – whether the going is rough or smooth. Especially when it’s smooth!

He alone gives me the strength to endure. He alone gives me the grace for intimacy. He alone perfects my faith!

There’s a cry in my heart
For Your glory to fall
For Your presence to fill up my senses
There’s a yearning again
A thirst for discipline
A hunger for things that are deeper
Could You take me beyond?
Could You carry me through?
If I open my heart, could I go there with You?
For I’ve been here before
But I know there’s still more
Oh Lord, I need to know You.
For what do I have,
If I don’t have You Jesus?
What in this life, could mean any more?

- From the song “Cry In My Heart” by Starfield

* Hebrews 12: 1(b) and 2(a)

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