Successfully Failing

Well I'm successfully failing at my first challenge. It was my goal to write a blog post everyday for a month. It didn't seem to be that much in the beginning of the month. I did pretty good...I wrote ALMOST every day, but them two weeks in I got overwhelmed and stopped writing. Even the thought of posting something turned me off...why? This seemed to be such an easy "beginners challenge." 

So here I am on day 20 and it's time to assess my progress and I think I will give myself an incomplete...we are in school mode around here. The outcome of this challenge is so similar to my tendencies...my intentions are always good by my follow-through is where I REALLY SLACK!

Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne. 

(emphasis mine)

 Perseverance: Steadfastness in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.

 Endurance: The ability to do something difficult for a long time.

Now really how does writing a blog even begin to compare with the endurance Jesus was experiencing leading up to his death...well it doesn't...but the point is to keep our eyes on Jesus as we go about our day to day.

My ability to follow through - my endurance - is in need of some "Tweaking" and that is exactly what I'm after through these self challenges...just as an athlete puts themselves through endurance building exercises...these challenges are my endurance building exercises...pushing myself to my limits...intentionally putting away my comfort zones and becoming the person God has called me to be.

So even though I have failed...I won't give up...I will keep running this race with the help of my champion, Jesus!

I would love to hear what God is doing in your life: What areas in your life is God asking for more? How can you challenge yourself to push beyond your norm and grow?

Love,

Stacy