Good day
In the below examples we find individuals who didn't always get it right; who may have felt discouraged; tempted to quit; faced and succumbed to various setbacks, trials, temptations, sin, etc. But one of the things which stands out is that regardless of each individual's journey, they all persevered in their relationship with God and ran their race.
Joseph faced various challenges but in the end he fulfilled God's plan for his life. (Genesis 50:15-20)
Moses was used mightily by God in delivering the Israelites out of Egypt and the one through whom the 10 commandments were given ... but initially he felt inadequate for the task and asked if God could send someone else instead of him. (Exodus 4:13)
David faced many trials, temptations and setbacks in his relationship with the Lord but was still referred to as a man after God's own heart and someone who would do His will. (Acts 13:22)
Peter denied knowing Jesus Christ 3 times but was later reconciled and used by the Holy Spirit to preach Christ to the Jews and the one who received a vision indicating that salvation was now available to all. (Acts 10 & 11)
Paul initially condoned the killing of Christians but was later converted and used by the Holy Spirit to bring salvation to many and establish churches.
Maybe you can identify with one of these examples. Maybe you find yourself in the middle of a challenging time, a set back, trial, temptation or sin and you're feeling discouraged and wanting to give up ... I'm sure at some point or another the men referred to in the above examples were also faced with similar thoughts ... Maybe they experienced guilt, shame, embarrassment, temptations of quitting and questioned if it was all worth it, if things were ever going to work out in their favour, if anything good could still come from their lives, etc ... But I thank God, that through His grace and mercy, they didn't give up/quit/throw in the towel but rather chose to persevere, to stay on course, run their race, and finish their journey!
These examples show us that it's not about how the journey begins but rather how it ends! That no matter the challenges we face or what our past mistakes may be, it's not too big for God to mend. That it's never too late to begin again. That there remains the potential to finish strong in life!
What matters is how we choose to respond!
Deuteronomy 30:19-20
I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live and may love the Lord your God, obey His voice, and cling to Him.
So how will you choose to respond my friend? God is calling on you to choose life. To believe that what He's able to do, and what He has planned for your life, can look very different from what you may be experiencing right now. To believe that it's never too late to begin again! To find encouragement from the examples shared above, and just like them, to persevere and stay on the journey!
Lamentations 3:22-24
Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”
Philippians 1:6
I am convinced and confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].
Amen
Please remember to share this message with others who may be in need of this encouragement.