In It For The Long Haul!

Though life may be lived moment by moment and viewed as a journey that is traveled one step at a time, are we in it for the long haul? As we wisely seek God's guidance for the walk of each day, are we still focused to follow all the way He leads? One of the greatest ways to be prepared for life's journey is to DISCARD THE FOCUSES AND STUFF THAT WOULD WEIGH US DOWN AND HOLD US BACK. The longer we carry the weight, the heavier it seems to become and we could eventually find ourselves giving up before we have arrived.

At a time when the Syrian army was thrown into a panic by God (during the days of the prophet Elisha), they fled leaving a trail littered by their garments and equipment. ( 2 Kings 7:15) They had "fled for their lives" ( 2 Kings 7:7) thinking they were just about to be attacked by a large army. ( 2 Kings 7:6) Therefore they abandoned their possessions and discarded everything along the way that was found to hinder their fleeing.

Even for us it is a matter of life or death in the manner in which we press on in life. We are on the run from the enemy (the devil) and are to continue running on with God. Are we still trying to drag too much other stuff along with us? Have we refused to abandon that which holds us close to the danger of defeat?

David prayed. . .
"(23) Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (24) And SEE IF THERE BE ANY GRIEVOUS WAY IN ME, and LEAD ME IN THE WAY EVERLASTING!" ( Psalm 139:23-24 ESV)

The Hebrew writer also exhorted. . .
"(1) Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also LAY ASIDE EVERY WEIGHT, and SIN WHICH CLINGS SO CLOSELY, AND let us RUN WITH ENDURANCE the race that is set before us, (2) looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." ( Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

Let us not be WEIGHED DOWN by the things of this world and so have our progress hampered. May our sins be left at the cross as we accept the lighter yoke of Jesus ( Matthew 11:30) and run on with Him in "THE WAY EVERLASTING."

Have a great day SET TO PRESS ON TO THE FINISH WITH JESUS!
Carl

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