"By perseverance the snail reached the ark."
How many times do we want to give up? Quit? It is just too hard. I am a snail trying to reach the ark in time, but I know I can only go so fast (or do so much). If I look to the right or the left I will easily be distracted by what may look like an easier road, smooth sidewalks or a cool place in the dirt. It is tempting to stop, not go down this path because it is long and difficult at times but off in the distance I see the ark. I keep my eyes set on that which is before me and I persevere.
In our ladies bible study this morning we looked at "hope". One of the scriptures that was shared was Hebrews 12:1-2, 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. 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 its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In order to make it to the ark the snail had to throw off (or ignore) everything that would hinder or entangle him from reaching his destination. He persevered (persisted in spite of opposition or discouragement) the path that was set before him. The snail's eyes were fixed on the ark.
The ark represented life to the snail. Without it there was no future. Jesus is my ark. Without Him there is no life or hope for my future. As I run (or crawl) through this race set before me (life) my eyes will be fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith.
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11 comments:
Very beautiful, thanks for sharing.
Wow, I think God is really trying to speak to me Chris! You were right, it's along the same lines as my post. I'm needing to pay attention.
Wonderful thoughts here...very good!
Kim
With what I am currently facing (feeling attacked by another person in the faith) this was so good for me to read. I need to set aside all hindrances and fix my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my Faith.
Thank you for this!
Amen
That little snail holds many lessons for us. I really like this Chris. It is so true. It is so easy to be distracted. The world and the enemy offer plenty to try to get us traveling in the wrong direction.
This really blessed me - as always.
"The ark represented life..." Wow, I love that! The way is narrow that leads to life, and at times that road is arduous. I'm so glad we don't have to travel it alone. Great post today, Chris!
I am so glad I stopped by today. Further confirmation to keep my eyes focused on Him and not allow those distractions to take me off course. Thanks for sharing.
Love the analogy to hope. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
Ah, yes, hope is a beautiful word and a beautiful thing to hang on to. I know that He constantly gives me the hope so that I may persevere to the end...I so love the Hebrews Scripture. Especially the part of "fix the eyes on Jesus, the perfecter of our faith"...
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this week's IOW quote.
Blessings to you and yours.
A simple word, a difficult and complex concept.
Wonderful post and analogies!
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