Following the Lord is not easy because our spiritual journey is more like a marathon than a sprint. As a marathon runner runs, it tests his ability over a long course. A runner can become weary, but to finish the race, they must endure. Along our faith journey, there can be many trials, tribulations, and testing times, yet we can survive with God’s help.
In Hebrews 12:1-2 the author writes about the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus as we run the race of life. Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[1]
The Israelites Said They Would Follow the Lord
After the Lord freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, they came to the base of Mount Sinai. There Moses climbed the mountain where God spoke to him. Exodus 19:5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
7 So Moses returned from the mountain and called together the elders of the people and told them everything the Lord had commanded him. 8 And all the people responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”[2]
As time unfolded, the Israelites failed to live up to their pledge to follow what the Lord told them. Thus, they missed His blessings for them. It is easy to say we will follow the Lord, but action is much more difficult. To follow the Lord is to set aside the things of the world and look to the Lord for the strength to follow Him. The world tells us to follow our dreams, but the Lord tells us to take up the cross and follow Him.
The Lord Will Help us Follow Him
Are you struggling to follow the Lord today? If so, you are not alone. Sometimes we must come to the end of ourselves and realize we can’t follow the Lord in our strength. As we cry out to the Lord and look to Him, He gives us the courage to follow Him no matter the difficulty.
The prophet Isaiah provides insight into how the Lord strengthens us to follow Him when it is difficult. Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. [3]
To hear how following the Lord is not easy, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-rules
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.