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Day 120: Keep Fighting the Good Fight!


July 13, 2020


Most of us are usually working on something.  Things like learning to play the ukulele, watercolor painting, taking college classes online, cleaning out closets and cabinets, working out and exercising, and trying to get in “better shape” are some of our household’s latest projects.   Whatever our goal, it always feels nice to hear encouraging words.  I find “You can do it!” to be much more uplifting than “Just do it!”.  I also enjoy, “Can I help you with that?” and “Wow, you are doing a great job!”.  I find personal satisfaction in a “job well done”.  The hardest part is usually step 1: getting started.  For some activities, it is keeping it going that is the struggle.  I have walked a mile in my neighborhood 2 days in a row about 3 times now and as the saying goes, “If you see me running, you better run too, because something is probably chasing me.”  In my defense, it is VERY HOT outside right now.  In the opposite of my defense, I have an elliptical machine in the air conditioning that mocks me daily by looking so cool and ready to go.  If I wasn’t such a neat freak, I’d throw some clothes on it to get it out of my sight!  Whether our personal projects are internal or external, God can help us get our minds and hearts right to get started AND to keep it going.  He is there to encourage and sustain us.  Some people pray while they exercise.  I pray before, for God to give me the desire, and during, that it will be over quickly. Whatever your goal, God is with you: you don’t have to do it alone!  And don’t forget to encourage one another in your various pursuits.  Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV) says:  “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) says:  “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”  Keep fighting the good fight!  Smile and be joyful!   

An encouraging song:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0M3X3_pFD4


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