Staying on Course

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-4  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ² We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. ³ Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. ⁴ After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin..”

Focus Verses: Philippians 3:12-14  "I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. ¹³ No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, ¹⁴ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."

I have seen in the news that one of the largest container ships in the world is blocking the Suez Canal.  The ship was hit with a strong wind while passing through the canal and is now completely blocking the passage so no other ships can pass.  Much of the world’s trade passes through the Suez Canal, and there are now 150 ships waiting to pass through.  This has created a big problem for shipping.  The canal joins the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea.

Many of you reading this devotion live near Lake Victoria and you know how boats are affected by the wind and can be blown off course.  If we are not careful Satan can blow us off course with even the smallest of sins, and cause us to shipwreck.  Hebrews tells us to get rid of the sin in our lives that weighs us down so that we can run with endurance this race of life.  Paul tells us in Philippians that we are to press on so that we can win the prize.  The prize is a heavenly prize.  Some say it is the incorruptible crown: the crown of life, righteousness, and glory, that does not fade away...  We can run this race because of Jesus and then one day we will be with Jesus in Heaven for all eternity.  When you start to drift off course (which we all do) don’t be discouraged.  Stay in God’s Word and in prayer, and the Lord will help you to stay on course.

Bobby Johnson

Interlocking Ministries