I think one of the more challenging things for me as a Christian is to stay in the race; to keep going and not get burned out. This is not to say I ever consider rejecting God. I know that He exists as there is evidence all around me. I’m talking about keeping myself from becoming discouraged or backsliding. I do become weary on my Christian journey from time to time; I notice this more when I’m not taking the Sabbath rest I need.
Sometimes I feel too like I’m fighting a losing battle against the declining morals of society. As much as I hope my vote counts at the pole (or in our state of Oregon’s case, in our home since we only have absentee ballots), it becomes discouraging when I see politicians being elected or measures passed that support things the Bible states as wrong.
Little by little I’m feeling like the only place my faith is excepted is in my church and home. With this kind of attitude it’s no wonder I feel like I need strength not to give up! It’s important for me to remember that the battle (spiritually speaking in society) is not mine but God’s and He being in me can help.
- Hebrews 12:1-4, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.”
- 1 Timothy 6:12, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.”
- 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
- Galatians 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
It’s these scriptures that I find so encouraging to press on in my faith knowing there will be an end to the race and a prize to be gained for enduring to that end.
In order to keep myself from losing heart I know I need to spend time in the word. It’s too easy for me to forget the promises of God while being enveloped in the world around me. Fellowship with other believers is also important in reeling me back into perspective. I know this race is not being run in vain. I’m on a winning team with my brothers and sisters in Christ and our coach, the undefeated Spirit of God.
Scripture references are quoted from the NKJV.