Thoughts on Thursday

Hebrews 12:1, "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us," (NKJV)

My heart was challenged last night as I sat and listened to our Student Ministries Pastor challenge our 2016 High School graduates concerning their future decisions of life. The challenge was being issued to them but many of the other adults as well as young people who were sitting in that room had to be inspired as we listened to the presentation of the Word of God. I would like to take a moment and summarize what I felt the Lord place in my heart. These thoughts were resonating in my heart as I awoke this morning and they were confirmed to me as I prayed this morning.

Pastor John opened his discourse by reminding us of a graduation speech that Winston Churchill had shared at Oxford University in England. This great leader of Great Britain had been asked to inspire and challenge the graduating class. The crowd undoubtedly was awaiting a major address from this powerful leader as well as a riveting speaker. He stepped to the podium and removed his cigar from his mouth, removed his hat and placed his cane near the podium. I can sense the anticipation of the crowd as they are awaiting the words from this very famous statesman from Great Britain. He opens with this declaration, "Never give up." He pauses for a few moments and then declares these words, "Never give up." He may have declared these words once more, "Never give up." He then pauses for a moment and then picks up his cigar, his hat and his cane and walks out of the building. Those words, "Never give up" was the "speech" that he shared with the graduating class of Oxford University. 

Has it ever crossed your mind to give up when you have faced certain challenges in your life? Have you ever said these words to yourself, "What's the use? I am a failure. I might as well as quit." Many of us have probably declared those words either out loud or at least in the privacy of our minds. We were discouraged at that moment and our hopes and dreams seemed to be disappearing right before our eyes. 

But our resolve to live a life that was pleasing to God began to provide the strength and courage that we needed to continue our journey of life. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that we have a race to run. No one else can run our race. No one else can finish our course. No one else can have courage, boldness and passion for us. We have to be willing to run with endurance, persistence, tenacity, commitment and dedication. But I believe that God will provide the strength that each of us need if we will be willing to trust in Him and also be willing to follow His guidance.

Let me close with these words, "NEVER GIVE UP." This plan has worked before and it will work again!!