IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

*Matthew 10:38 (MSG);* If you don’t go all the way with me, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve me.
 
*IN FOR THE LONG HAUL*
 
The life of salvation and ministry to God is not a temporary assignment from which you can jump simply because you feel tired, unappreciated or frustrated.
 
When you choose God, it is for the long haul. You must be ready to stay the course no matter how rough the road gets, how strongly the fires burn and how mightily the winds blow.
 
If you are not ready to go all the way with God, through thick and thin, you don’t deserve Him.
 
Paul reveals to us his own personal experiences in staying the course. He says, “In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” (2 Corinthians 11:26-27).
 
What fire did Paul not face? What storm did he not struggle through? Did he give up? No. Because he did not give up, he had the audacity to say, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).
 
So toughen up, child of God. It is still a long journey ahead. Be ready to face up to whatever the enemy throws at you. You have God and today He tells you, “I have got you! You are in capable hands”
 
*FURTHER STUDY:* 2 Timothy 4:7, 2 Corinthians 11:26-27
 
*GOLDEN NUGGET:* When you choose God, it is for the long haul. You must be ready to stay the course no matter how rough the road gets, how strongly the fires burn and how mightily the winds blow.
 
*PRAYER:* My Father, I thank You for this word. Thank You for this journey of the gospel. You are my strength and my reason to look to tomorrow. No matter what comes my way, I stand in the blessed assurance that You are with me and for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.