I could write a book on the last few days! Because of events out-of-town, it had been awhile since I had been to church–a lot can happen in two weeks.  I dragged myself there physically, but spiritual my heart desired to be revitalized!  Class on Saturday, late night sessions with group projects, work, papers, conflict…..

The message on Sunday?  “Never, Never Give Up”

Ummmmmmmmmmmmm  How did you know?!  I could fall asleep in this chair preacher, and let the whole world pass me by. I was so tired I had to sit during worship and just close my eyes and pray.  How fitting the message was to so many aspects of our lives.

Key Verse:  Hebrews 12: 1-3

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Perseverance principle:  it’s always too soon to quit.

It’s not the one who STARTS well but the one who finishes well–endures to the end.

Jesus was the perfect example of not quitting too soon.  If he died for us, can we live for Him?

In His Kingdom there is no end!  Christians need to not settle or compromise but be committed to the very end to follow Him–run the race and do not give up!

Does the world entangle us?  Absolutely!  Do we find ourselves in a pit sometimes?  Why, yes we do!  Do we experience failure and embarrassment?  YES!  However, one thing is always true–YOU ARE GOD’S MASTERPIECE CREATED BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME TO DO THINGS HE HAS PLANNED JUST FOR YOU!

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.  Ephesians 2:10

Recently in class I diverted from my text-book to my social work world of Virginia Satir’s Change Process.  Perfect timing!  If you want to check it out:

http://annahebb.wordpress.com/2013/03/04/can-you-surf-chaos-like-alice/

The bottom line if you don’t have time is this–status quo only lasts for a while and always a foreign element will be introduced.  What happens next is chaos!  Will you surf the chaos and not quit?  So many of us ignore, institute a quick fix, give up or worse, we settle.  Ride that chaos wave knowing that a new idea or way of thinking and doing will come if you are willing to work on it with Jesus, and allow Him to heal and grow you!  The worse mistake when implementing your new idea or way of doing something is not allowing mistakes.  Mistakes!  They happen! Chaos?  It’s coming!  Run the race!  Ride the wave! Take the Great adventure!

We are overcomers, not victims!

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.  Revelation 3:21

To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations–  Revelation 2:26