“The faith that carries us to the end is the faith we choose to exercise again today.” — Alma Ohene-Opare
Commentary:
At the start of a long journey, it is easy to picture the destination. The harder part comes when the road starts to look the same mile after mile. We can feel that way when we have prayed for years about a family concern, kept a promise that has grown costly, or worked to overcome a habit we thought we would be past by now. We look for some sign that our faithfulness is making a difference. Sometimes the most honest prayer we can offer is, “Lord, I still trust Thee. Help me know what to do today.”
There is a kind of freedom in realizing how much of discipleship happens one decision at a time. We may have little say over when a burden lifts or whether another person changes. We still have a say in whether we keep our word, tell the truth when it costs us, or apologize when pride tells us to wait. God’s commandments give us direction when our feelings and circumstances keep changing. And when we use our agency poorly, repentance gives us a real way to turn back to Him.
Jesus knew the cost of obedience. In Gethsemane, He asked whether the cup might pass and then submitted Himself to the Father’s will. We can follow His example by bringing our honest desires to God in prayer and trusting Him enough to obey while we wait. Sometimes the most Christlike thing we can do today is to give someone the patience we ourselves are asking God to give us.
Scripture:
“But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” — Matthew 24:13
Daily Application:
Choose one commitment to God you have been tempted to set aside. Take one step today to keep it.