Keep Going
In 1997 Sian Welch and Wendy Ingraham were battling for first place in the Hawaiian Ironman. After 2 miles of swimming, one hundred twelve miles of biking, and twenty-six miles of running they were neck and neck. As they approached the finish line, Sian started to slow down and weave back and forth before eventually collapsing. Wendy came running up behind her but she collapsed also. They were only a few feet from the finish line, but both were laying on the ground, unable to get up. Their bodies were shutting down from the long race. Wendy started to crawl towards the finish, and soon Sian followed. The cameras showed these two crawling to the finish line with everything they had left in them. Wendy crossed first, but both ladies won that day because they kept going
Col 1:9-10
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;11 being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Run the Good Race
The Christian faith is a long race. There will be times we feel we can’t go on. Most days will come and go and it feels like we are getting nowhere, some days will just be discouraging. It will be easy to lose interest and give up. My encouragement to you is to keep walking. You haven’t reached the finish line yet, and there is still a prize waiting for you.
A Fruitful Walk
Paul shares the prayer he had over the Colossians. He asked the Lord to fill them with knowledge and understanding, that their walk would be glorifying and fruitful. Finally, he asked that they would be strengthened so that they would possess the endurance and patience that produces joy. I pray the same thing for you. I hope this devotional encourages you in your walk with Jesus. Keep walking even when you don’t feel like it. One step in front of the other may not seem like much, but eventually, you will mature in your faith and discover that fruit is growing out of it.