Life Together: “Moving Forward”

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 

(Hebrews 12:1)

“How do you do that?” I asked.

This is Brian’s second healing journey. He fell and fractured his hip. From ICU, to rehab, to home, he worked hard and returned to normal life. Then he fell again and fractured the other side. He had to start again from Day One.

And yet, as you can see, Brian still smiles. He stays positive.

“Well,” he said, “I’m 88. I can’t do many things I used to do. I didn’t choose where I am now, but I accept it and do what I can in the time I’m given. I take one day at a time.” I replied, “I admire both of you, Brian and Diane, for your strength, perseverance, and wisdom.”

So how do we learn to persevere?

Abe and I recently registered for our first half-marathon, which will take place in March. We are training on our own, increasing our distance by one mile each week. This week, we ran ten miles.

Not until I started running did I truly understand Hebrews 12:1. Running can be boring. It can be cold. I feel hungry, sore, sometimes even nauseous, with stomach pain. And yet, I keep running. My goal is simple: to move forward without stopping or walking.

Here is the lesson I am learning: We learn to persevere by persevering. In the same way, we learn to love by loving, to forgive by forgiving, and to give by giving. Yes, our spiritual journey is from grace to grace. But it is also "responsible" grace. We say “yes” to God’s grace, then we roll up our sleeves and practice it. As we do, we begin to bear more of the fruit of the Spirit.

The early Christians were known for two things: sexual purity and radical generosity. The Romans were confused by this. It was not simply rule-keeping. It was the fruit of their deep intimacy with the Lord Jesus.

We may not choose our time or our circumstances. But my prayer is that, in the time and situation we are given, we as a church will practice what pleases God and spread the aroma of Christ, especially in times like these.

This Sunday at Hodgdon and Houlton, we will explore the Gospel of John. Through the story of Lazarus, we will reflect on how it is possible to have faith after doubt - a faith for the here and now, even in the midst of loss, grief, and despair.

Have a blessed weekend. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

In Christ's Love, 

Pastor Victor