How to Keep Going when the Going Gets Tough

Spiritual Motivation: How to Keep Going when the Going Gets Tough
by Carisa Silvesan
Hebrew Chapter twelve, verse one through three says, "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on
Spiritual Motivation: How to Keep Going when the Going Gets Tough Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

The title in the NIV is "God Disciplines His Sons." Some might find the title alone a little frightening; thinking about the sandwich boards that read "sinners are going to hell" and the such. But, this discipline is not meant to punish us, but to mature us in everyway. It is done out of love to help us learn and grow in Christ.

We need to remember that there is a great witness around us. What is a witness? Someone who attests to something happening. But, when it comes to God there are more than just people who can witness to His existence. The wind, trees and life in general on this planet and in the universe attest to God in all His glory. It is helpful to take some time everyday and just look outside to admire all He has made and done.

Being surrounded by all this God has made, we should be willing to "throw off everything that hinders" us. What can hinder us? Well the obvious answer here is sin. Sin envelopes so many different things that it can easily become a hindrance to us and sometimes very quickly. Taking time to ask Christ to show us what we need to change and fix is key here.

We need forgiveness and help in changing and who better than our Maker. It is not only sin that can hinder us, but people too. Does this mean we should kick everyone out of our lives? Of course not, but if there is a particular person in your life that is hindering you from doing what God wants you to do, perhaps its time to re-evaluate your relationship with that person. Sit down and talk with them about how you feel. Let them understand that for you, a Christian, God comes first above all things.