KEEP GOING!

Dearly Beloved KEEP GOING! Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV). I was touched by the life history of a visiting lecturer that was the leading facilitator in a week-long intensive course on conflict resolution lessons where I did one of my postgraduate studies. He was born and raised in one of the major violent conflict-affected areas in the world. According to him, because he was determined to be educated, he had to go to school during this violent conflict. One of the instructions that his mother used to give him every morning is, “No matter what you see or hear, do not look left or right. Keep going!” This particular instruction kept him going despite the violence and effects of violence around him until he completed his education in that conflict-inflicted area. He recalled the incidents of bombings, killings, and maiming of people around him, including his contemporaries. However, despite these, because of his focus to be educated, his mother’s instruction every morning - “Keep going!” - kept him going. Today, he is an associate professor in one of the most reputed universities in the world. The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews gave a similar instruction. Many persecutions surrounded the early Hebrew Christians. They were being distracted in their faith in Jesus Christ, and they contemplated going back to Judaism. Having highlighted the supremacy of Jesus Christ above the angels, the Mosaic Law, the Levitical priesthood, the sacrifices and offerings that are associated with the priesthood, and later the exploits of some men and women of faith, the writer advised his audience to keep going by fixing their eyes on Jesus Christ who was their focus. Jesus was saying a similar thing when He told someone that wanted to follow Him with divided attention: "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62 NKJV). Keep going! This instruction is very relevant for anyone that wants to succeed in life. No matter what may be going on around you, keep going! Be focused! Do not let anything distract you from your goal. Victory is yours in Jesus’ name. Amen. As a Christian, do not be distracted by anything from following Jesus Christ in this world. Keep your eyes on Jesus Christ, NOT these distractions, even if they seem to be good. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Lord, help me keep going despite the distracting situation around me.