Friday, September 19, 2008

Growing Faith Part 6 of 16

GROWING FAITH Part 6 of 16
PERSEVERE
Hebrews 12:1-3

Beginning Verse 2: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning before its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Jeremy rode his bike to the Junior High first thing Saturday morning. He paced before the open doors, watching for any sign of life. Suddenly his coach pulled up and parked his car. Jeremy licked his lips and ran to greet him.

“Hi Jeremy” Coach Jarvis said, placing his arm around Jeremy’s shoulders. “Son, don’t lose heart. I have faith that you’ll win a starting position soon. Continue working hard.” With that he posted the names of the boys who made the team.




Jeremy didn’t know what to think about what Coach had said. He scanned the names of the boys who made the football team. His name was not in the top section, and his heart sank.
Reading through the entire page, Jeremy saw his name under the section entitled “Second Team.” Apparently, he was selected to be on this squad. At least he could be a substitute for a teammate who either didn’t perform well or got injured.

He kicked stones across the parking lot, angry and upset. Distraught, he climbed on his bike and took off fast--before having to face the other boys who began streaming to the posted note.
His life seemed to be sucked down a long dark tunnel. He tried finding hope in what Coach had said to him, but he couldn’t get past not being selected on the first team.

Michael felt bad for his little brother. “Later today I’ll treat you to ice cream” he promised.

Thankfully, we serve a God who feels our pain. When stretched to the breaking point, our dreams shattered, and strength exhausted, Jesus asks us to hold out and not give up.

Giving up means we abandon God’s help and rely on our own puny strength. Satan is delighted because we believed his lies, and he won this battle.

1 John 4:4 offers us hope. “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them (the false prophets), because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

Michael advised Jeremy, “God will see you through this little set back, Jerm.” He licked his chocolate ice cream cone, and said, “Trust Him and work hard, just as Coach said. I have faith that you’ll win a starting position soon!”

Take Home Nugget
Jeremy worked hard at practice and didn’t give up. He didn’t see God working behind the scenes, but improved his speed and increased his strength. He chose to trust God, and knew that soon he’d win a starting position on the team. He’s learning to wait on God and will see God’s perfect timing. Soon.

It is so hard to give up on a dream.
In faith as you wait, God is proud to have you on His team.

J.D. Griffith
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