Please Keep Going

Galatians 6:9 (NIVUK)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at a proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

When I lived in Jerusalem, I used to run at the gym right next to the Mount of Olives. Pretty nuts! The treadmill I got attached to faces the East Gate of the Old City. This is the gate that some believe Jesus will return to at the Second Coming (Zechariah 14:4). As I ran, I thought if Jesus makes a comeback during my 10k, I am going to be one of the first people to see him. And he’ll see me through the gym window, waving frantically, tomato-red in the face but ready to be swept into glory!

While on that treadmill, wondering about Jesus' return, I honestly ran like the wind as the months went by. At the start of the year, I was nearly sick after running 3.75k, but eight months later, I would crack out a 17k and just tootle back to my apartment. 

Strange! How could that possibly happen? I am no natural runner. I just kept going and I went slowly, very very slowly. I’d go a few times a week, hop on at a slow pace and build an extra 0.2 every time. I’d go when I felt like it, and when I didn’t, and just kept returning. 

Our faith is a bit like this. It’s much easier daily to succumb to distractions/noise/phones rather than engaging with the Lord and choosing him. But let’s keep going, choosing what is life-giving, even when we are weary. Let’s persevere with quiet times, being vulnerable with friends, prayer slots, giving, looking after our bodies, turning screens off, choosing silence, loving others. We will reap a reward if we don’t give up. Let’s keep persevering in our race, but only with his grace! He is so worth it.

Prayer - Lord, I love you, but I need your help to keep going. Though I have faced all types of struggles, strengthen me to seek you, Lord.

Song recommendation: Faith more precious than Gold- Mission House.