Finish as a Team

If you met me, you would not classify me as athletic. I’m a squatty body who never made better than the B-team. Although, I possess two Finisher shirts from marathons because what I lack in physical athleticism, I make up for in fortitude. One thing I learned training for that 26-mile endeavor is that the stronger version of me doesn’t stop when it gets hard. 

The stronger version of you will possess what it takes to go further, last longer, and handle what life throws in your direction. You won’t be tempted to quit so easily, and because lifting your drooping hands and strengthening your weak knees is not solely a personal endeavor, a stronger you will encourage others not to give up. 

You and I are on this journey toward becoming more like Jesus together. It’s a team effort. I am responsible for you. You are responsible for me (Hebrews 10:24-25). In fact, the writer of Hebrews suggests we can be a part of someone’s healing. What does that mean? 

so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed (Hebrews 12:13)

This verse speaks to the ones around us who have fallen away or might waver on matters of faith. Instead of doing or saying something that might convolute the matter, we should engage in ways that bring clarity, wholeness, and support drawing them closer to Jesus so that what is lame may be healed.

It also speaks to the discouraged person you know that is struggling because of health issues, too many financial pressures, relationship drama, or situations out of their control. They need your strength of faith to help them to tomorrow and a stronger them. One thing is certain. Who you are and what you do in the daily grind to help strengthen someone else along the way can affect a life in a way you may never know. 

If you long to be stronger, it’s going to require leaving easy. Remember to focus each day on Jesus. Pray believing prayers with intensity. Get outside. Grab a friend. Engage in godly conversation. Encourage each other in the deeper things of life. Recognize we finish as a team. My friend, you are an essential player. We need your strength. Commit to becoming a stronger you so that they can become a stronger them. 

We hope this plan has been an encouragement. For more Gospel-centered resources from Cheri to help stir a desire for God into your everyday life, visit https://www.sheyearns.com/what-is-next/ .