Congratulations! Making it to day 21 of 21 Days of Prayer is an awesome accomplishment. You have passed the test. You have completed the journey.
Every journey completed will change you!
There is a famous Chinese proverb that says, "a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The interesting thing about journeys, is that they change those who finish them; and it doesn't matter what kind of journey you're on either. Whether it's the journey of this 21 Days of Prayer, going to school, traveling to a different place, employment, marriage, good health or even reading a book, every journey completed will change you. Here's why?
"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. Ecclesiastes 9:11 ASV
We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of
determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.
Jesse Owens
Winning is not automatic! This passage teaches us that no matter how fast, strong, wise, smart or skillful you are, time and chance will test the very mettle of your commitment to finish. Time and chance ~ those are two things that no one is immune to. But if you want to achieve your goal badly enough, you will fight to the end. We believe 2017 is the year of sevens - a time of divine completion, finishing and perfection! When time and chance shows up, remember you're on assignment, on a journey that will not be given up without a fight! Dig in, clear your mind and hope to the end. Time can wear you down but you can outlast the clock. Chance will pop up, create unexpected circumstances that make it hard to keep going but you can outclass bad luck! You began with the end in mind, made progress and now realize that finishing is more than winning, it is an endurance test!
The battles that count aren’t the ones for gold medals.
The struggles within yourself – the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us – that’s where it’s at.
Jesse Owens
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV
This journey has shown, you can do more than you thought you could. Your blueprint, your dream, your vision, is within your reach... and your job is to focus on crossing the
"finished" line!
LET'S PRAY: Father in heaven, thank you for bringing me to this point of completion. Thank you for helping me pass the test. Let this journey be the beginning of many other victories in my life. As I look around and see so many others who have discovered the crown of life, grant me the discipline to lay aside the weight and sins that easily sets me back, and run this journey with patience. I fix my eyes on Jesus my Lord and savior, who faced time and chance, and overcame. Just as he continued and did not let the barricades stop him, I will not loose heart, allow weariness to get hold of me, nor will I faint. I can see the "finished" line and yield myself to the change that it will bring. In Jesus's name, Amen!
Inspiring Hope and Seasoning Faith, Pastor Sean
Blog Editorial Director: Dr. Regina M. Daigre