What It Takes to Continue

Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” – 1 Kings 19:4

I love to watch survival shows. You know, those reality tv shows where they push people to extremes and you get to see what they’re really made of… I think I like those shows because that’s what my life feels like.

I was watching one the other night, and it was the last episode. The last miles were the most difficult. There was one couple that just could not take another step. They had reached their limit, period. They were done. Literally shuffling along, crying, promising each other they could stop at the top of the hill, the two of them leaned heavily on each other as they made those last few steps to the crest.

And then it happened. Once they stood at the top, they could see their final destination. It was still a little ways off, but just a glimpse of the end to the long journey was enough to give them their second wind. They knew that rest was within their reach. Food, glorious warm food was waiting to fill their bellies. Pillows, such luxuries they hadn’t seen in weeks, waited within their view.

Do you know what those two worn-out people did then? Ran.

They ran.

See, sometimes all we need when we’re completely out of steam is just a glimpse of our destination. Just knowing that the end is in sight, and what wonders await us once we get there, is what it takes to move our shuffling weary feet into a dead run.

We have that glimpse any time we need it.

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. – Hebrews 13:14

We only have to open the Bible to have a view at any point.

Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. – Romans 8:18

Lean in and shuffle along with me for now, ok? Heaven is waiting just up ahead. Lift your eyes and be amazed.

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. – James 1:12
Holy Father, Thank You for the glory of Your word, for the wonder that it renews in us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly