[Wednesday's Devotional] - Up and Down

Up and Down 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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.  Hebrews 12: 1-3 [NIV] It is very easy to become discouraged when we are running in the race of life.  Emotionally we are up and down all the time.  Sometimes we have "cliff top" moments when we feel that we are on top, that all is well with life, the world and the universe.    At other times (in my experience much more often) we face feelings of pulling ourselves out of the gutter, not finding it easy to drag ourselves out of bed to greet the world.  Perhaps this leaves us feeling we don't deserve the title "disciple", that we have done something to make us unworthy or committed an "unforgivable sin". If life is a race, then it is more of a marathon than a sprint.  Perhaps you enjoy watching sport?  One of the things that separates champions from others is the fact that they have control of their emotions and a certain self-belief and knowledge of their own skill.  So, for example in tennis, they may be facing 3 match points against them and go on to turn things around to achieve victory.  That's why (among lots of other reasons) I am not a champion at tennis! For the Christian we need to develop a different form of self-knowledge.  The knowledge that Jesus has already pioneered and perfected faith can help us to overcome the hindrance of sin and the condemnatory words of Satan. To think about: How am I going to feel today?  Can I set my face "like flint" and overcome emotions? Will I rely on my emotional wellbeing or the knowledge and love of Jesus?   Dave MacLellan   Twitter Website Copyright © 2016 St. Matthews & St. Oswalds Church, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email as a subscriber to the Daily Devotionals Our mailing address is: St. Matthews & St. Oswalds Church 1a New Street Rugby, Warwickshire CV22 7BE United Kingdom Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Want to be added to our mailing list? - sign up here!