Keep On, Keeping On!

Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Translated:  life is an incremental process, radically dependent on the provision and patience of God. 

It’s interesting:  in 2 Corinthians the Apostle Paul speaks boldly about the presence and power of God.  But such affirmation occurs in the context of Paul also noting an ongoing physical ailment, a ‘thorn in the flesh,’ that’s long-standing, that apparently never goes away.  In fact Paul notes:  “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away…But the Lord said [no] – [you see Paul] “…my grace is sufficient for you -- for my power is made perfect in weakness…”  (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).  

And so as we as we speak of finding life, abundant life we speak of a journey that takes time -- maybe a lifetime – calling us to be persistent – determined – and utterly reliant on the sheer stamina and grace of God to empower us: to never give up -- to ‘keep on, keeping on’ -- no matter the darkness – no matter the dread – no matter the despair! 

In the film “The Soloist” Steve Lopez, a journalist, befriends Nathaniel Ayes a homeless schizophrenic -- as Steve searches for a news story for the Los Angeles Times.  You see Nathaniel is not just a homeless schizophrenic -- but a Julliard Music School trained musician, with incredible musical talent; but there Nathaniel is on the streets, living out of a grocery cart.  And so Steve keeps working with Nathaniel through all the twists and turns of mental illness, discovering Nathaniel at one moment playing breath-taking music but then -- in the next moment -- talking in random, irrational circles.  At one point in the movie, Steve is ready to give up; I mean Nathaniel’s ‘back and forth’ gets to him, as none of his attempts to reach Nathaniel seem to be working.  And with that an associate of Steve sits Steve down.  “Steve” the associate declares:  “You can't fix [the city of] L.A. and you can't fix Nathaniel – [but you can be]…his friend and [just] show up."  Adapted from Ken Gire, Relentless Pursuit (Bethany House, 2012), pp. 134-135

That’s often the best we can do: be a friend and just show up.  First for ourselves, as we address the challenge of life, and then for those around us, as they address the challenge of life as well.  For only God can ‘fix’ and address the challenge of life.  

But please note: God does so according to God’s grace and God’s timing.  And so lean into God’s grace and God’s timing – confidant that “… [God’s] grace [and timing] is sufficient…for [God’s] power is made perfect in weakness…”  (2 Corinthians 12:8-9).  

         

Listen if I was God, I’d eliminate all weakness.  If I was God, the treasure would not be in an earthen vessel.  If I was God I’d do away with all thorns in the flesh.  But have you noticed:  I’m not God – and guess what: you’re not God either.  And so it might be wise to acknowledge the one who is God, bowing down to His sovereign reality  

For in spite of the challenge of life -- God is awesome – God is believable – God is caring – God is devoted – “…close to the  brokenhearted…[saving] those who are crushed in spirit…”  (Psalm 34:18).  

And so where are you broken, where you crushed, whether in body, mind or spirit?  Let God touch you and feed you.  Let God bolster you and fill you.  Let God encourage you and strengthen you – so that you never give up – so that you ‘keep on, keeping on’ --   no matter the darkness -- no matter the dread – no matter the  despair -- no matter what!