Therefore, since we are surrounded by such 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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. –Hebrews 12:1-2
Seasons of life are interesting aren’t they? When we were children life seemed to move slowly and we always longed for it to speed up. As we became young adults life moved faster but we were often not sure it was moving fast enough. Then the day came when life started moving so fast we could hardly keep and we longed for it to slow down. And as grow older it seems our lives are often at a standstill. Seasons of life are interesting aren’t they?
So what does this have to do with Lent? What does this have to do with the Cross? The Lenten Season speaks to us of perseverance – don’t stop part way in your relationship to Christ. The Cross speaks to us of perseverance – Follow Christ all the way to the Cross. And whatever season of life you’re in make sure you allow Christ to redeem the time. No season is worthless in His eyes. We may not be able to accomplish all we used to, but He has something for us to accomplish for Him. We may not be moving ahead as fast as we think we should, but He is teaching us patience and perseverance as we move ahead.
A good friend wrote these words to me yesterday –
At the beginning of Lent, I asked God what He would have me give up this year. The more I prayed the more I sensed he didn't want me to give up anything, He just wanted me to take in more of Him. I kept asking but what should I give up. The more I asked, the more I seemed to be getting the message that He was bigger than the small space I was giving Him. So, I gave Him my willingness to drop whatever I was doing whenever He called. The places that He is taking me are overwhelming--ministry, family and neighbors. He just wants all of me, in the life that He's given me, doing what He calls me to do. What JOY!
I guess that’s what I want to say to us today. Let’s persevere. Let’s keep moving. But let’s allow the Holy Spirit to break in whenever He wants to change our plans. He might want to speed us up or slow us down. I can’t make that determination for you. Just keep your eyes on Jesus and keep walking – all the way to the Cross.
“Father, we don’t want to be ruled by the clock. We want to be able to hear Your voice anywhere, anytime and respond to You. Amen”
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