I love reading stories about people who were knocked down but not out. They have an inner desire, drive, push to keep their eyes on the goal. The NFL season is almost over and the NBA is just getting underway. Hockey is next and then Major League Baseball. As each player begins the season, grandiose dreams filled their hearts and minds for what would happen. Few walked onto the field, court or ice expecting to lose. Some give up as the season goes along. Some may continue to go on and make an effort, but as the season goes along, it becomes more difficult to stay focused on giving and doing the best.
I remember running track my freshman year in High School in Rhode Island. I had to run the mile as no one else would do it. I hated the mile...too long for my tastes. I began the race never really wanting to finish. On one particular day I ran the race and was so mentally beat that I faked a knee injury just so I could stop the beating. I lost my vision and focus.
That makes Jesus even more amazing. He never lost his focus on the goal of his death on a cross...the only purpose being our salvation. I love him for what he did, but I struggle to understand it. He endured. He lasted. He persevered. He kept going even when no one was on the sidelines cheering him on. Amazing!
The battle is daily. The example has been set. As the writer said, "fix your eyes on Jesus. The author and perfector of our faith." So when you don't want to...do it anyway. When you want to give up after the last fall, keep going. When it seems that everyone else is doing better than you...they aren't...they are just better at hiding it. Keep your eyes on the goal. Living with God forever is worth it.
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