1 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,
2 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.
For me, God has taught me to get on my knees more. While some things have stayed the same, many things have absolutely been turned upside down. While we have been shaken, our God has not.
Look at this guy in the picture. Some personal statements that would go through my mind would be:
- Are You kidding me?
- Really?
- This is useless!
- I quit!
- Where is everybody?
- God is this what I was called to do as a pastor?
And then He speaks. Take one shovel at a time and I will get you there. He represents many pastors and those in ministry who have not quit. Doing what they know to do, being faithful, and still slinging snow.
Sunday, by Sunday, video by video, God is still on the throne and worthy to pursue. Slowly, one shovel at a time, some progress is starting to be made. A few Sundays ago , I could see it as we went over 215 combined in worship. Nursery back, Children's church now functioning with all sails set on March 7 for the return of Small Groups, then pow! Frigid temps, snowfall after snowfall and people forced to stay in.
The excitement that I have to see our entire church family reunited and back together is growing daily.
So when life overwhelms you, where do you begin? By taking one step of faith, one step, one shovel of snow, and then going to the the next.
Somewhere out there, a person has a heavier load, harder circumstances, more difficult health challenges, and continues to serve the Lord. May we not quit as we finish our race for the Master.
