MID YEAR: KEEP THE PACE

"Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving;" Colossians 4:2

Hello!! And welcome to the second half of the year 2020! 

If you are like me, you may have already done a recap of the first 6 months of this year. I hope you found many reasons to be grateful despite the challenges of the year. 

That said, I guess my big question for today is...

What attitude are you approaching this Second half with?

Gratitude? Despair? Frustration? 

Like an athlete running a race, perhaps at this point, you are exhausted because the finish line seems far away. I want to encourage you to keep going, keep the pace. 

You may have started the race relying on your own strength and wits. 
You may have started the year with high expectations, but now you feel discouraged, frustrated, and ready to call it quits.
I just want to remind you that it is not over yet. 
HASHTAG THIS: God can still come through for you. You can still accomplish so much this year. 

"He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted, but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:29-31

Feeling faint? Ask for renewed strength to keep the pace. The NLT version of our bible verse for this week puts it this way, "devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart." Colossians 4:2

I challenge you as I challenge myself to do just that. To remain consistent in prayer while being alert and attentive to what the Holy Spirit is saying. What have you been missing? What should you be doing differently? What do you need to apply in your approach to life to ensure you keep the pace and finish well?

Perhaps it is time to take a retreat, go into that secret place, shut off the noise with the intent to do nothing but listen. 
Perhaps it is time for an attitude change. Time to let go of the murmurings and instead choose thanksgiving.  For though the troubles are many, we have a helper. 

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;" Psalms 34:19

You see, we have hope!
Regardless of what the situation may look like, God is still good, and He still is on our side. For that alone, let us give thanks.

HASHTAG THIS TOO: The Lord our God is faithful to the end.

Enjoy the rest of this year!
Be encouraged and be empowered. Jesus Loves you.