July 22

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set out before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

It is one of those days when I get up and before my feet even hit the floor I am already counting the minutes until I can go back to bed. The weight which clings is depression. One gift God has given as a tool to fight depression is running. The first steps of the first kilometer are killer. I just want to go back to my room and back to bed. Every joint and ligament complains and my brain is urging me to quit. But then the breathing evens out. The pace improves. The legs find their stride.

Walking with Christ and enduring with Him requires every ounce of effort. We belong to Him. We are rescued by Jesus' blood. Our energy is focused on staying true to Him and fighting off all the temptations of the enemy. The devil does not play fair, he is, after all, the father of lies and when he lies he speaks in his native language. He promises what he cannot and will not ever deliver.

Therefore, the struggle to hold onto faith is the most important contest of our lives. Do not give up hope. This is what I am preaching to my own heart. It is around 11 AM here, so in 9 or 10 hours I can go to bed. The weight has not left my chest nor lifted from my head. But He has sustained me this far. He will give what is needed moment by moment through the day.

Thank You God for the great cloud of witnesses--fellow believers who in Your great wisdom are praying when praying is too hard for me. Thank You Jesus that You are the founder and perfecter of faith--even my now staggering faith is not beyond Your help. Amen.