Walking For The Duration!

When I take my long Tuesday morning walks -- especially this time of year -- the first challenge is just to begin. Being still dark and a bit chilly, staying in bed is much more appealing. After all, it is also my day off and some extra sleep isn't such a bad idea. However, once I get going I am always glad I did not put it off. As the 18.6 mile walk begins, by the time I reach the two mile mark I feel I have gotten into the groove of my pace and stride. Reaching the five mile mark I begin to feel I could walk all day long and the seven to ten mile portion of the walk continues to feel good. Then comes the twelve mile mark when I begin to wish I was already home and I have to focus mentally to get over that hump. Once I have continued on I again become relaxed with the rhythm of the pace and the walking feels good. Focusing on the end of the walk drawing near, I again tell myself I can make it, even though I know there is one more hill to climb.

Besides the distance and the time of the walk, another challenge -- such as happened this past Tuesday -- is the changing of the weather which can impact the desire to press on. The wind came up for a while and made the walking harder. Then the rain began and the dampness was felt in my shoes. However, when the sun came out again, I was encouraged to press on to the finish. Regardless of the weather, I need to get the walk in.

The experience of this life's walk may be pictured in much the same manner. Making that first step to begin the journey with Christ is a big one and not easy when we have become so comfortable with where we have been. Though the world may tell us, "You made your bed, now lay in it.", Jesus is the one who said, "GET UP, take up your bed, AND WALK." ( John 5:8 ESV) We don't have to stay there! Therefore, once we make that first step and begin the journey in Christ, we soon begin to feel more comfortable in our spiritual stride. We may soon reach a point when we feel more confidence, recognizing how great the Christian walk is and assuring ourselves we can carry on with Christ for the rest of our life. Then life's storms hit and the winds of doctrine ( Ephesians 4:14) contrary to God's message try to halt our progress and we may begin to wonder if we can KEEP PRESSING ON. Fighting mentally to get over that hump we can then feel the courage to press on. Once we do that we can be encouraged by remembering we have pressed on to that point in spite of challenges and can continue to do so. Looking back on our life we can say, "I made it this far. I can carry on until the end. God has been with me, strengthening and guiding me, and it will be worth persevering to the end."

Through life's journey we may experience times when we would say, "Lord, I'm ready now. Take me home." However, that time may not yet have come. Remember the attitude of Paul when he wrote. . .

"(23) I am hard pressed between the two. MY DESIRE IS TO DEPART AND BE WITH CHRIST, for that is far better. (24) BUT TO REMAIN IN THE FLESH IS MORE NECESSARY ON YOUR ACCOUNT. (25) Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith," ( Philippians 1:23-25 ESV)

Like Paul, we must recognize for now there is still ministry and service in which to be involved. There is still life to be lived and things to focus on doing. We must therefore surrender to pressing on as we allow the Lord to use us.

Some of you may have just begun the journey. I encourage you to KEEP WALKING. Others of you may have been walking with Christ for a while and feel you have settled into a good pace of Christian growth. Keep that joyful remembrance in mind as you KEEP WALKING. Then there may be those who are presently being hit with the winds of this world's ideologies and it seems hard to press on. KEEP WALKING ANYWAY. With the Lord as our life walking partner and the fellowship of fellow Christian walkers, we can make it day-by-day one step at a time.

In face of the challenges that were to come, Jesus exhorted the disciples. . .
"BUT THE ONE WHO ENDURES TO THE END WILL BE SAVED." ( Matthew 24:13 ESV) [also Matthew 10:22]

May we too accept the Lord's encouragement to persevere to the end. KEEP WALKING! We're not home yet.

Have a great day ENCOURAGED TO GO THE DISTANCE WITH CHRIST!
Carl

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