Christians Must Keep Going

“Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.” Acts 4:19-20 NIV

In an article titled “Bill Iffrig, Runner in Iconic Boston Marathon Bombing Photo, Dies at 89, published over the weekend, it was reported that Bill Iffrig, who became a nationwide symbol of resilience for appearing in a photo that captured his fall near the Boston Marathon finish line in 2013 after the first of two bombs exploded and who soon got up and completed the race, died on Jan. 8 in Marysville, Wash. He was 89… In a 2015 interview with MSNBC, Mr. Iffrig recalled the explosion and being on the ground, assessing whether he was injured. Because he was not bleeding and all his joints were “working OK,” he decided he could keep going, he said. “I’m going to get up and finish this thing,” he recalled thinking. “I’d been out there four hours. I didn’t want to quit.” Soon, his bright orange shirt was known across the country. He became a symbol of resilience.

And you know, when it comes to being a ‘symbol of resilience’ in our mission to fulfill The Great Comission, we would all do well to follow the example of the apostle Paul, who was committed to ‘keep going’ no matter what obstacles and opposition he encountered. In fact, Paul was so dedicated to his calling that when he was stoned and left for dead outside of Lystra, “he got up and went back into the city” and “the next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.” Talk about resilience! Paul was dedicated to making it to the finish line and wouldn’t quit until he did it. 

 

So knowing that the days ahead will be marked by increasing adversity, danger and persecution the likes that Paul faced, let us make the decision now that we will ‘keep going’ as well my friend. Let us set our sights on that final finish line, determined to make it there ourselves and bring along all the people that we can. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning us of the perils that await all faithful followers. Help us to prepare our hearts and minds now to stay steadfast in our mission to share the Good News and to shine the light of Jesus into this dark world, so that we will keep going no matter how many times we get knocked down.  It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!