The Heavy Weight In Your Hand

Anyone who has worked out with weights in a serious way knows what it is like to 'train until failure'. That is when you select a weight that is heavy enough that when you get to the last few repetitions (ideally 10 or so) you are challenged to the point where it seems like you can not complete the last 1 or 2 repetitions. You need to push. You need to dig deep and not quit. That struggle in those last few seconds holds the most benefit. That is where strength is born. That is where endurance is achieved. That is where results happen.

I think of Jesus on the cross. The last few hours of His life on Earth were the hardest but His human endurance and refusal to quit accomplished more than any man ever has or ever will.

"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, 'Truly this was the Son of God!' " - Matthew 27:50-54 ESV

He fought until He reached that specific place and time. He paid for the sins of the world and collapsed when the job was done.

I think we can strive in the wrong way but we can also strive in the right way. There are things worth fighting for in life. Perhaps the weight you hold in your hand feels heavy. This week ahead may look challenging... very challenging.

I plan to ask God for His help and complete my 'workout' this week. I plan to do all 10 repetitions and not quit. I am training to reign and my efforts are not in vain.

"... much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." - Romans 5:17b ESV

"When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life!" - 1 Corinthians 6:1-3 ESV

Oh God, Help us to move in mercy this week. We need it. Others need it. Quicken us to continue and expect opportunities. Help us to forget what is behind and move forward in hope. You are our victory. You are our strong tower. We run to you.

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