Thursday, November 28, 2024

Many start the new year with resolutions in mind, but fail. New Year’s resolutions aren’t difficult to begin, but reaching the finish line is another story! Our heartfelt intentions of living consistently with faith in God is, similarly, easier said than done. 

Regrettably, my faith journey has frequently paralleled the dismal success rate of New Year’s resolutions made by many. Thankfully, God is more than patient with those seeking him and his ways. He is always more patient than we are with ourselves and others. 

Becoming a follower of Christ begins with faith. Faith in God. Faith that God sent his only son to die for our sins, a debt we could never pay. The wise Christ-follower clings to Hebrews 11:1 “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.”

Faith isn’t a place to take up residence as a follower of Christ. Faith is the launch pad for the Christ-follower. It’s where our spiritual journey takes root, and hopefully grows. 

When we are stationary in our faith, our spiritual root system fails to develop. Proper spiritual nourishment is critical for the development of spiritual roots. It isn’t an effortless process, nor is it instant. Our spiritual roots need to be properly tended throughout our lives in order to deepen our faith.  

When we intentionally dig into God’s Word and build an authentic relationship with him, faith grows. Faith isn’t the belief that nothing bad or unacceptable will happen. It’s knowing that, no matter what, God will be with us. Whether it is serious illness, unexpected financial challenges, job loss, divorce, etc., God remains with his children through it all.  

Events throughout our lives present opportunities for our faith to grow. It matures into an enduring faith as it is developed, having been exercised time and time again. Such faith is often stretched to the max, but it doesn’t break. 

Proverbs 24:16
The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

It is our enduring faith that empowers us to live out this verse.

Questions: 
In what ways is the Christian life like the Olympics? 

How is enduring faith exhibited in the Bible?

Next Steps: 
Read what the Bible says about enduring faith and why enduring faith is important.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for stretching my faith through circumstances I wouldn’t choose. Help me remember you are with me at all times, especially when I am uncomfortably stretched by life. Empower me to face life squarely, without hesitation, remembering the countless times you have faithfully shown up throughout my life. May others see me exhibit Godliness, as you continue to transform me into the likeness of Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Today’s post was written by Karen Peck, a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.