The courage to continue (Hebrews 11:31-40)

The courage to continue (Hebrews 11:31-40)

Continuing is not a necessary question when all things go well. We enjoy the accolades, the gold, the silver or the trophy and the standing ovations. In fact one gold medallist once said the cheering of the crowd fires her up. What a great energy to tap into.

Matthew 24:32

Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

It is nevertheless another ball game when the table turns around. When there are persistent foes and resistant friends. In the hall of faith of Hebrews 11, many names written in gold passed through hell to get there. Only God gave them the courage to continue.

2Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

What I am talking about does not even respect position or anointing. In fact in many cases they are tailored made. So it is designed to size you. Remember Elijah the fire man? He wished himself dead at a particular point.

1Kings 19:4

But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

When the strength is sapping off and it seems you might snap the next minute. Faith can fade, returns on risk might diminish without its fruits. The vision of the other end might be the only thing that can pull you through.

Hebrews 12:2

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

You may need a daring courage to continue when the chips are down. You could pray now for the courage to continue when your strength is tested.

Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

At the point of testing it might not be faith that would be so strong. It might not be love that is so binding, it might be the vision at the other end. So get the bigger picture.

Luke 22:41 And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45 And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

It might as well be the unrelenting prayer of those who sympathise with your cause. In the meanwhile you might pray now for God to give you a reservoir of strength in the day of trial.

Proverbs 24:10

If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.

If you faint in the day of your test then your strength is small because you did not build a reservoir of strength for a raining day. Remember the ten virgins? The distinction between those who were wise and the foolish was the reservoir of oil or the lack of the foresight. May you not fail in the day of your testing. When the chips are down may you have the courage to continue. God bless you