Daily Worship

You didn’t get this far…

John Povey September 24, 2024 5 1
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Galatians 5: 7-10 (NRSVA)

7 You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? 8 Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty.

The Christian life is often represented in the New Testament as a race. The Galatians began their Christian race with enthusiasm. “You were running well”, said Paul. Then something started edging them away from the straight path, slowing them down. Along the route the scoreboard was not in their favour.  But, like the skilful trainer at half time, Paul stepped up to galvanise the team. “Come on,” he yells, “you can do it!”

The cyclist and fitness instructor Ben Alldis spurs on his trainees with the phrase, “You didn’t get this far to only go this far.”

We all need such words of encouragement. Paul believed in these Galatians, despite everything, because he had confidence that the Lord would lead them back on track.  Though they had been lured by false teachings, even yet Paul had confidence in their ability to recover, and to continue on the way of truth.

Jesus believes in us, for he has called us to enter the race for him and for his kingdom.  If he believes in us so much, then we can do it! We can run the race and not allow confusing teachings of legalism to jostle us and wrestle us away from the straight path.  We must trust in His grace to give us the freedom of movement we need as we race ever onwards towards the finish line.

 

Prayer:

 

Heavenly Father, giver of confidence and bringer of freedom, help me to run well each day. Help me not to allow tempting thoughts to hinder me from trusting in you. Teach me to rely not on my own strength alone, but on the strength of your encouraging love, cheering me on, giving me confidence in your grace to lead me every step of the way. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.