Articles
Weary?
I’ve noticed that when I’m discouraged, my level of productivity tends to drop. That’s probably true of most people. This can so easily become a vicious cycle: when we slack off because we feel down, then we feel worse because we’re not getting much done.
If things are not going well at work, at school, at home, or at church, the temptation is to think, “Aw, what’s the use?” Families break down, businesses fail, and churches decline when such thinking prevails.
Would we have much respect for a football team that begins slacking off in the fourth quarter because they’re so far from their goalpost, and the other team has a 20-point lead? But the team that gives 100% all the time, regardless of how things are going, is likely to win more games, and whenever they do lose, at least they go down honorably.
Success experts tell us that while it’s good to have talent and opportunity, it’s the will to win that may be the most decisive factor. Those individuals who are absolutely determined to keep on trying against all odds are often able to accomplish wonders because they never give in, never give out, and never give up.
We just can’t give up! Too much is at stake. Imagine your life as a marathon, and you’re running toward the ultimate goal of eternal life. You’re getting awfully tired, your feet hurt, you hit that “wall of pain,” and you wonder if it’s worth it.
Listen to these words of inspiration:
“. . . let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NASB).
