Stay the course

…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…

(Hebrews 12:1-2, NKJV)

Mid last year, a group of us decided to go for a hike on Mount Kilimambogo, Oldonyo Sabuk (2145m above sea level).  From the details we found, it was said to be a gentle slope following a trail suitable for beginners.  We planned the logistics with excitement and hope for a great experience. On arrival, all seemed well and the hike started on a high.  After a few hours of following what was called a gentle trail, some of us got tired and almost gave up on reaching the summit.  For others, the hike was fun and they went quickly to wait for the others at the top.  Thankfully, with the encouragement and help of each other, we all summited and it was an exhilarating experience that we relish – we tell of how we surmounted the challenge to success.  Reflecting on this experience, it is clear that we had not fully prepared for the physical challenge that the hike was going to present, we started off happily and with child-like excitement, only to encounter physical exhaustion which threatened to steal our initial peace.  It took endurance and the inspiration of others to reach the summit.

Beloved, our reference verse calls us to keep faithful to what we have begun.  It is not always easy to follow through and there will be challenges and struggles along the way.  There will be times we feel tempted to let go as we confront our inadequacies.  God’s word calls us to endure, we keep on holding on in spite of the present circumstances, God is faithful.  He knows the race set before us and by the help of the Holy Spirit, we take a step each day. Ours is to hold on even when we are afraid.  Apostle James reminds us that the man who holds on steadfastly is not only blessed in this life but will receive the crown of life (James 1:12).  This is our desire and goal, to make it to the end, not because it is always smooth but because He who has called us is faithful to carry us through (Philippians 1:6).  Left to our own abilities, we would not make it but for the faithfulness of God and the leading of His word, we keep moving forward.  It is a journey of surrender to the one who is able to hold us up, to guide us in His love.  We are not those who give up.  Apostle Paul who knew the battles of faith, wrote words of encouragement.  He spoke of being steadfast and unmovable as we do the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).  Yes, there will be situations that seek to derail us as we pursue our walk of faith, but we are those who hold on unmovable, we hold on as we know He whom we have believed in.  Brethren, though we may appear frail and struggling at times, we are to remember that He who lives in us is greater than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Our anchor is not only stronger but also victorious.  We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37). 

We will not deny the battles along the way, but we shall face them with confidence that the end will be one of glorious victory.  Apostle Paul, give us a clarion call to aim for, to one day boldly declare that we have fought a good fight and finished the course (2 Timothy 4:7).  Beloved, no matter the situations that life presents to you, keep your eyes on the goal and the crown that awaits you.  It is my prayer that we may be found faithful to the very end.

Thoughts:

How have you stayed true to your calling?

In which areas of life are you currently struggling?

What victories has God given you along the way?