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
“Christ has promised eternal happiness to those who are faithful to Him. They will hear the voice of the Lord whom they served on earth, telling them. Come O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. All we renounce in order to follow Christ more closely, or the little we suffer for Him is rewarded on hearing these words of welcome as we enter into eternity. Jesus himself leads us into heaven. Although we follow Christ for love, a moment may come when everything is suddenly somehow more difficult. Then is the time for us to utter some aspiration that will help us think of the prize. It is worth while, let us remind ourselves, it is worth while, it is worth while. So our hope will be strengthened and our way becomes more assured.”
Francis Fernandez in In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year, volume 3 (London: Scepter, 1990) 445.
It is worth while. I am telling myself this today.
I want the words on my tongue to remind those whose visas have been rejected and who have been hindered from attending the GTP Global Gathering in Istanbul.
This rejection strengthens my resolve to use my USA passport to serve these people.
Today, I mourn that workers from Rwanda, Ghana, Benin, Pakistan, and Togo have been hindered from attending. These workers needed to attend as much as anyone.
Perhaps your life has gotten suddenly somehow more difficult?
In that moment, we cannot give up. I am tempted all the time. We cannot give in to the temptation. We cannot grow weary and lose heart.