Light on the Long Journey of Life
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2
I have been praying relentlessly for strength and even just a bit more motivation; to be set free from the chains of discouragement that seemed to be holding me down, zapping my energy, and paralyzing my will and way. And to my momentary relief and honor this morning, I woke with a slight sort of spring to my step. A touch of hope greeted my heart. But only for a brief, fleeting flash as reminders of previous disappointments began to spring to my mind that had deflated many of my dreams. At the break of day, I temporarily felt something beneath the surface, ready to burst out and up into positive change and progress. But the force of the enemy kept coming on so strong that my fight felt threatened, and once again, I was tempted to cave.
Do you ever feel desperate for God’s power to push you onward? Dying for encouragement and hope to take deep root in your soul with persevering patience, joyful expectation, and certain steps of confident purpose?
I do know that God can’t be defeated. I know that his all-powerful spirit is alive within me. And so he can and will conquer the enemy trying to extinguish the light in my soul and surroundings. But how do we stand strong against the suppression of our souls?
I bet you’ve wondered something similar. What is it?
Maybe you’re feeling down due to a past season that didn’t go quite as you hoped or planned. Or depressed by a current situation that feels stagnant and hopeless. Or disheartened by an uncertain future that looks dim and feels completely out of your control.
I get it. I’ve been resisting the pull-down of darkness, too.
But when I step back and ask myself how I can resist, I remember how I’ve done it before. And I’m reminded that it’s in these wrestling places and spaces that you and I need to stand firm on God’s Word. His Word that says, I am with you. His Word that says, I will help you. And his trustworthy Word that says, With me, you will conquer this.
We can and should stand sturdy on the solid rock of scripture. Isaiah 41:10 and Romans 8:37 are verses worth memorizing and scripting on our hearts to fight and face such fragile moments. They read, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10) and, “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Roman 8:37).
We can trust these words and truths of his presence, help, and victory. They are his gifts to you and me as children of God.
Yes, in our moments of struggle, we need to listen to the voice of God saying, I am here. We need to receive the subtle nudges of encouragement, strength, and light he showers on us constantly through his creation, people, and presence. And we need to never let go of his hand, while running with perseverance the race of life he has mapped out before us.
I know the race is long. Like a never-ending, unpredictable, mountainous marathon. You’ll take a step forward, two back, three forward, and lose ground all over again. But keep your eyes open and toward the light. It’s always there. It’s always shining. It’s him. The almighty good God.
You are moving forward. If you look back far enough, you can see it. And he will keep moving you on. He always has with his presence, his help, and his victorious good and sovereign hand.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
Don’t take your eyes off the light of the Lord today. And keep looking to him as you journey on. He is with you. He is for you. And he will fortify your fight and perfect your faith as you continue on with him through your life and to the finish line of eternity.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/jankovoy
Keri Eichberger is a Jesus-loving Kentucky girl. She is married to her best friend, Mike, and has a full house of five kids. After years of writing for an online audience, Keri became ordained through Southeast Christian Church, giving her life to full-time ministry. She is the author of Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes, and has a passion for sharing faith-filled encouragement through devotional writing. Connect with Keri at KeriEichberger.com or Instagram.
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