(I want to preface by saying that nothing you are about to read compares with the deep, abiding struggles that others are experiencing. Our recent troubles pale in the face of many of the hard times around us.)
We recently had a streak of misfortune. To begin, our air conditioning went out at the house in the middle of a heat wave. It’s REALLY hard to get good rest or even stay in a good mood when it’s 85º in your house! But we kept the faith and navigated a tough situation well. Things worked out in the end, but we were a bit exhausted.
Then, our youngest started back to school, which means a new and improved routine would be required as we factored in a new variable to our older twos’ schedule of school and sports. Then last night we thought things were looking up, as we found a gift card to Cheddar’s and feasted on honey-butter crescent rolls, when on the way home we came across a huge tree that had fallen near our house, taking out the power lines and blocking the road. Yup…no power, dark outside, and AC out (again).
We got everyone inside and pulled out spare candles, pretending we were camping, and wrestled the three year old into the bath, pjs, and eventually…eventually the bed. By the time everyone had gone to bed my attitude not only needed an alignment, it needed new tires. And a confession: I had to ask myself, “Are you ok?” The struggles had cut in on me and pulled my faith down a bit. I felt worn, and a bit sad that I hadn’t held up better. But, sometimes things get to us and we must be reminded of the importance of getting back on track.
A tree fell across the power lines and the road before our house.
“You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” —Galatians 5:7-8 NIV
Paul was dealing with heretics and trying to keep the Galatians focused on Christ and the true Gospel. This is a serious matter with eternal consequences. Now, my circumstances were simply unfortunate, but there is a congruent lesson here. My race toward being made into the image of Christ according to His glorious Gospel is something that needs to be protected. Just as Paul asked the Galatians about who cut in on them, I had to stop and ask who or what had cut in on me and my trust in Jesus in the midst of all that was going on.
Holding fast to our faith in Jesus is something that must be done every second of every day. Letting down our guard can mean a trip, a fall, a break, or maybe even something worse. But if we stay the course and run the race with perseverance (Hebrews 12.1-2), then there is a great reward of sweet fellowship with the Lord.
I would encourage you with this: while the storm rages, and the wind, rain, or waves pound the boat of your daily life, hold fast. Ask yourself when things are hard and you are veering off the rails, “Who cut in on you?” When you identify it, give it to Christ, get back on the rails and run that race with Christ to Glory!
—Pastor Whit