PERSEVERANCE: HOW DO I KEEP GOING?
Daily Scripture (Read 1 Corinthians 9)
“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24
Daily Devotional—Perseverance: How Do I Keep Going?
A few days ago we talked about love. We were encouraged to love our neighbour as ourselves. I was challenged a few years ago to take the later part of this verse seriously: to love myself. We need to know how to love ourselves before we are filled up enough to keep giving out and loving others. Some of us need time alone, sleep, journal time, fun time, time to talk things out with others, exercise, etc. Do you know how to renew yourself? Ask God today what you need to do to keep going and running the race well.
A friend of mine was on a short term trip to Nicaragua last summer. After the first week, he was sick of the heat and food and being away from home. He became irritable and short with people. He found a quiet place and began to play his guitar and worship. After several hours, he was renewed and found his second wind to keep going. He was ready to persevere with whatever happened until the end of the trip. He needed time alone with God and he needed music.
Once renewed, let us take our focus off what life should be like or what we are currently having to give up. Paul encourages us to consider the reward of service itself. Paul can’t help but preach the Good News. He makes himself a slave to others so that they may somehow share in the gospel. He does whatever it takes to identify with his listeners so that they might hear and believe in Jesus. How could we identify more closely with those we serve? Pray for our team in Nicaragua today to find ways to meaningfully connect with the local people.
Today, be renewed and persevere. Pray that our pride or comfort level would not hinder us in adapting in our relationships so that we might somehow shine the gospel. Identify with those you serve in tangible ways and love your neighbours as yourself.
For The Team:
- Do you know how to renew yourself?
- How could we identify more closely with those we serve?
- What are life-giving activities for you?
- What are the things that could make you quit, or give up on, a life of following Jesus?
Pray:
- Pray for our team in Nicaragua today to find ways to meaningfully connect with the local people.
- Pray that each team member will keep a positive attitude for the whole two weeks.
- Pray that each team member will be in tune to their own physical, emotional and spiritual needs and rest, renew and replenish as necessary.
Renewal and restoration are not luxuries. They are essentials. There is absolutely nothing enviable or spiritual about a coronary or a nervous breakdown, nor is an ultra-busy schedule necessarily the mark of a productive life.
Charles Swindoll