The Christian life is not without challenges. This is why Paul the Apostle and other writers of the New Testament compare Christian living to athletics or running a race (2 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 12:1-2). They frequently encourage others to set their eyes on the prize and endure the hardships of life (2 Timothy 2:3).
Many trinkets in this world can distract us from our goal and purpose, which is to make Christ known among the nations. Instant gratification and inferior pleasures are always seeking our attention; lust, vanity, or worldly comforts.
What is encouraging is to reflect upon the fact that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). The Word of God was written for our instruction to endure such times (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
This Is Nuts!
Mark Rober is a mechanical engineer who had a desire to do some bird watching, so he purchased a birdseed feeder to install in his back garden. Upon installing this, he quickly realised that squirrels were all too fond of birdseed and would go to the utmost to win the prize, often showing great ingenuity and persistence despite continual failure.
He decided to test these furry creatures’ abilities by designing a squirrel-sized Wipe-Out / Ninja Warrior obstacle course with various distractions along the way to claim the delicious prize of a mountain of walnuts.
This included, among other challenges:
- A scantily clad stuffed squirrel to distract them on their mission.
- A single walnut in the grooves of a slinky bridge.
- A photoshoot.
Just Keep Swimming, Christian
“For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again…” -Proverbs 24:16
The incredible determination of these little critters meant that they were eventually able to resist the temptations and traps along the obstacle course and claim their prize.
We may fall to sin and temptation, but the ability to learn from our sins, be sanctified by the Holy Spirit and continue on the pilgrim’s journey to our Heavenly country is what it means to be Christian.
Don’t be discouraged by your sins and failures. God is using them to develop your character and tell His story. If you are having a tough day, remember that at the right hand of your Father is pleasures forever and the fullness of joy (Psalm 16:10-11).
