Keep your eyes on the prize!

photo by Steve Lasher

“When you have no vision from God, no enthusiasm left in your life, and no one watching and encouraging you, it requires the grace of Almighty God to take the next step in your devotion to Him, in the reading and studying of His Word, in your family life, or in your duty to Him. It takes much more of the grace of God, and a much greater awareness of drawing upon Him, to take that next step, than it does to preach the gospel.” – quote by Oswald Chambers in My Utmost for His Highest

I am tired and grow weary in the everyday tasks. Dishes and clothes continue to get dirty, meals must be prepared, and bills paid. And then there’s the job outside my home. It’s easy for discouragement to settle in. I feel my enthusiasm for life decrease.

Yet Paul persevered in the middle of tribulations, distress, beatings, imprisonment, hard work, sleepless nights and hunger. He relied on his ever-constant faith in God. In fact, trials and misunderstandings caused him to lean in closer to God.

Dear God, I’ve never experienced anything as severe as what Paul went through. But just like him, I know when I keep my eyes fixed on you; my life is smoother and my disposition more joyful.

Do you feel defeated, physically stressed and worn out? Is it difficult to focus on a task and see it through to completion? Try reading Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 6:3–13. Can you replace your discouragement with rejoicing and open wide your heart to him?

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