Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
—James 1:12 (NIV)

"The changes we dread most may contain our salvation."
―Barbara Kingsolver

Seek God's strength to endure and trust that He is shaping you through every challenge.

Father, thank You for walking with me through every struggle. Help me to hold on to faith and trust in Your plan, even when the path is hard.

And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

—Hebrews 12:1–2 (NIV)

I’m always trying a new fitness gadget or changing my exercise routine to lose weight and rebuild my muscles. My latest workout plan includes a hula hoop. Before that, I bought a pair of professionally fitted running shoes. The first few weeks of exercising are always exhilarating, but, before long, I run out of steam to keep it up. I quickly forget about what motivated me in the first place. I take my eyes off the prize, my goal, and lose focus. 

It’s natural to want to give up when I’m tired, bored with my gadgets, not seeing results from routines, or just a little too comfortable carrying around that extra weight. When I get discouraged, I picture Jesus facing me, running backward, taking two fingers to point to His eyes and then back to mine, signaling me to keep my eyes on Him while I run. He knows where the terrain gets tougher. He knows when I’ll need an extra boost of energy to go uphill. He knows when I need to catch my breath, take a sip of water, or slow down the pace. He’s running the race with me and gives me grace to run at my own pace. 

With Him, I don’t lose my focus. Jesus helps me exercise my motivation by keeping my eyes on the ultimate prize—Him. 

—Ericka Loynes

Faith Step: Whatever race you’re trying to finish, whether you’re running a marathon, writing a book, raising children, performing optimally on the job, or just getting out of bed each day, imagine Jesus is right there with you, cheering you on to the finish line.

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