Keep On, Keeping On!

Keep On, Keeping On! (Hebrews 12:1-3)

Hebrews 12:1–3, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.”

As the days approach toward December 31 and the beginning of a new year, many people begin to consider changes that they want to make in their lives. From year to year there is little change in the top New Year’s resolutions: losing weight, getting a better job or education, volunteering or undertaking some charitable project, and several others. Regardless how the last twelve months have gone, it seems the New Year is uniquely suited to resolutions to become fitter, healthier, happier—to become new people. All too often, however, this “New Year, New You” attitude is not long-lasting. In fact, if the statistics can be believed, almost 25 percent of people who set New Year’s resolutions don’t keep them through the first week of January! Perhaps part of the reason we fail is because we tend to set unrealistic goals; but part is also because, although we know what we need to do, we’re just not prepared. We are unsure where to start, how to maintain progress, or how to keep focused, and we end up just giving up. We often hear others say a New Year is a chance to begin again to be the person you were meant to be. Yet, most people fail to accomplish the goals they set each year because they are unprepared for the trials and challenges that will come their way or because they lose sight of what they are working toward in the first place. When it comes to the goals we set for the race of life, we must realize Jesus is not only our prize, but He is also the pattern we must follow if we want to be successful. Throughout the Bible, God uses illustrations to help us understand the nature of the Christian life. Keep on!

These two words are critical to the success in the Christian life. The Biblical word is endurance or perseverance, the ability to keep on doing the things you have committed yourself to doing when you feel like it and when you don’t feel like it. Nothing is more essential to success than endurance. Faith gets you started; perseverance keeps you going. This matter of endurance is so critical to the Christian life that James 1 tells us that above all other human traits, this is the characteristic that God is trying to build into your life and mine. Perseverance. Keep on going. Keep making and keeping the commitments of life. James 1:2-3, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” God uses trials to teach us perseverance, giving us the ability to remain under pressure. Paul had finished his race; now the author of Hebrews was challenging the runners to finish theirs. If we plan on doing anything for the Lord with our lives in the coming year, we too must lace up and get on the track and in the race. We must accept the great privilege of beginning a year with God during which only He knows what is in store. Many try to predict what will happen in a country in the course of a new year, but the truth is no one knows what the year will hold: not a government, the media, or so-called economic or climate experts. Our course is known only to God. Every moment of a new year is a gift from God. If we want to make the best of these moments we must first take time to prepare, so that we know what to expect. This week we stand on the hinge between 2023 and 2024. Looking back on 2023. Perhaps you had some pretty significant peaks and valleys. Praise God for them. Praise God that at this year’s end, you can stand before Him in faith and humility and say, “No matter what is behind me, I will keep on keeping on”. Now looking ahead. You can’t know what 2024 will bring, but you can be sure that God’s mercies will be new every morning. Start each day with fresh faith in Him and a commitment to perseverance.

Prayer: LORD, You have chosen the course for my life. It’s been both exciting and exhausting. However, I have a fruitful life and a finish line I have to cross. I want to thank You for the patience and joy You have given me on my course. As I run this race, it’s my desire to praise You and to please You. In Jesus name, AMEN!

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