Have you been there? I have. A new trend appears inviting. A program looks exciting. I start with great vigour and enthusiasm. However, weeks later my elliptical is sitting unused. The Wii hasn’t been turned on in months. The recipes I brought home from the cooking class have not been prepared. My interest waned.
Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders here. For a time they received John’s message with excitement. What happened? It takes more than enthusiasm to sustain momentum. It takes commitment. Feeling will only determine “want to”. Something deeper drives “need to”. The seed that falls can too easily be snatched, swept away, snagged or smothered. On our own, we lose our resolve. We need divine power to persevere.
The great news is, God has already provided. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” 2 Peter 1:3
Do you see that? Knowing Him intimately and personally is what sustains our passion for His Word. Our relationship with the Lord provides the divine power we need for living a life pleasing to Him. Where we fail and say “I can’t”, God says “I can”.
I’m asking Him again today to fill me with a longing and desire for His Word. I don’t want to be “excited for a while”, I want to be excited for a lifetime.
2 comments:
I, too, am a great starter - not so much a great finisher. Exhibit A is my craft room full of scrapbooking supplies. My husband is used to my "phases" since he's been through a lot: the sewing phase, quilting phase, stamping phase, etc. When I became a Christian I'm sure he thought it was going to be another phase. I praise God that where it matters, and by His grace, I am still chugging along.
Knowing that when you seek to be thrilled by God...He will take your breath away...and it will do all the sustaining it needs too! I love you my friend...and I consider it such an honor and privielge to come here and read your work!
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