In it for the long haul

Recently, I was praying about quitting something, then to my amazement I look up from my passenger seat on the motorway to read the words on a lorry next to me....'In it for the long haul'.  I had to smile, as knew God was trying to tell me something.

We often say to ourselves, we want a new beginning, a new start at something where excitement and exhilaration can rule. Everything seems exiting to start with, however, what is God telling us to commit to in 2025? We are often drawn to doing new things, and there's nothing wrong with enjoying those, but there may be other pursuits where it is right that we keep moving forward in them for an extended period of time.  Some things we do are for seasons, other things are to be persisted in, so something can become established and deep rooted in our lives, and we need wisdom to know the difference. 

Some pursuits and commitments we carry out may take grit and determination to carry on with them, and we may need perseverance for the long road ahead.  The road ahead may have its ups and downs as well, it may not always be easy and we may want to give up but are we going to decide to persevere when the going gets tough?  It says in:

Romans 5 v 3, Because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance character, and character, hope.  

We all want to possess character, but are we willing to commit to the perseverance that having character may take?  It takes a stronger person to commit to things for a long time. God wants us to develop character, hope and fruit that will last.  Jesus reminds us to invest in our lives for the eternal, not just the temporary. The only way we bear lasting fruit is by staying close to Jesus for the long haul. The journey of faith will surely have its ups and downs, but definitely won't be tedious with God directing your steps into greater purpose and meaning. It's an exhilarating and exciting road, leading us to self reflection, greater values and lasting peace.  

John 15, 16 - You didn't chose me, I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. 

Lv Caroline x