Scripture Reading
Therefore, since we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
Thought of the Day
Fridtjof Nansen was an explorer. Back in the late 1800’s, Fridtjof and a fellow skier and hiker undertook an expedition to the Arctic. In a terrible blizzard, he and his companion got lost in that vast wasteland. They soon ran out of supplies. They ate everything they had, including their sled dogs and even the dog’s harnesses. They trudged on and on across the bleak and frigid terrain, with no evidence of another human being within hundreds of miles. Finally, unable to go any farther, Nansen’s companion gave up. He lay down in the snow and died. Fridtjof Nansen was determined to not let that happen to him. His will was too strong to give up that way. He kept thinking, if only I can take one more step, I can make it. One more step. That is exactly what he did. Nansen kept going with perseverance, until he accidentally stumbled onto the American expedition that had been sent to look for the lost explorers. He lived.
Over the past few months I have felt lost. I have been discouraged. I have had feelings of hopelessness. Now, luckily, I do not have a dog so I did not have to struggle with the decision on whether or not I would eat it. (Thank goodness for HEB curbside pickup.) But you know, I never gave up. My contact with my family was certainly different, but it made me find other ways to stay in touch and new ways to love them. Finding creative ways to minister to youth became a focus. I kept my faith alive with worship and Bible studies. So, in spite of all this craziness in our lives, DON’T GIVE UP. Remember it takes one step at a time. One at a time. Never forget that God can help. Lean on Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, Thank you for being with me every step of the way. Amen.