How We’re Learning
by Muriel Gregory
How often have you felt overwhelmed by life? How many times have you looked at your to-do list and wanted to crawl back in bed? When was the last time life was so overwhelming you felt like running away?
On most days, I do manage my to-do list fairly well. When issues arise, I handle them fairly well. At other times, I simply crumble under the pressure and the demands of life.
I have realized that my most productive days are days when Jesus is the sole focus of any and all my activities.
Jesus did warn us about the difficulties and trials of life. John 16:33 relates that Jesus “said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
You will have tribulations.
Jesus is not surprised that you are struggling.
In me you may have peace.
He is giving us the antidote to the poison called despair.
Hebrews 12:1-3 is a great encouragement for any given day and situation. Run the race with perseverance. I really like the Message translation:
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Adrenaline into your soul! I can use some of that!
Four Tips for Learning How to Depend on Christ:
- Start the day with God. (devotional book, online devotional, podcast, Bible reading plan, etc…)
- Now, get on with the day! Face it with all the strength you have been given.
- Keep your eyes on Jesus. No matter what you are facing today, he has not only already experienced it, he has already overcome! In him, you are always victorious.
- Study the Word. When you find yourself in a rut, in a dark place, losing hope–study your Bible. This will shoot adrenaline into your soul and get you going!
Your turn
I encourage you to read the book of Hebrews. The writer was addressing a church that was drifting through life without focus, vigilance, or energy. They stopped running the marathon and instead settled with the crowd.
In short, this book will encourage you to endure, persevere, fight, be alert, be strengthened, stop drifting and neglecting.
It is easier to walk than to run. If our minds are not set on the right thing, we will find ourselves walking instead of running.
Set your minds on running by fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and depending on Him.
Father, I am so thankful that you have not only set a path for me but that you have already overcome any obstacles and tribulations that will come my way. Father I pray that I will keep my eyes on you and run the race with perseverance. Amen
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