Where Do You Get the Power to Keep Going? 💪✝️

Life feels like a marathon sometimes, doesn’t it? We get knocked down, exhausted, and tempted to quit. But the Bible reminds us: we get up again and keep going — not in our own strength, but through God’s power. Let’s dive into this encouraging truth with practical insights and Scripture to fuel your journey.

The Reality of Being Knocked Down 🥊

We all face opposition. Troubles press in from every side — stress at work, family struggles, health issues, or spiritual battles. You might feel afflicted in every way, perplexed, persecuted, or struck down.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV) captures it perfectly:

“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Paul wasn’t sugarcoating life — he was describing real hardship. Yet he refused to be crushed or destroyed. The key? Resilience powered by God.

Jesus’ Unstoppable Determination 🚀

Even Jesus faced intense opposition. Religious leaders intimidated Him, warning of threats to His life. But He didn’t back down.

Luke 13:32-33 (ESV):

“And he said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.”’”

Jesus declared: I must go on my way — today, tomorrow, and the next day. Nothing — not fear, criticism, or danger — stopped Him from fulfilling His purpose. He modeled perfect endurance.

Paul’s Secret to Endurance 🔥

Paul echoed this in his own trials. In the same passage from 2 Corinthians, he shows that being knocked down doesn’t mean staying down. God never abandons us.

Another powerful verse reinforces where the strength comes from:

2 Timothy 1:8-9 (ESV):

“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace…”

We can only keep going by the power of God — the same God who saved us and called us to His purpose. He doesn’t expect us to run on empty; He supplies the strength daily.

More Verses to Fuel Your Perseverance 📖

Here are additional ESV Scriptures to meditate on when you’re tempted to quit:

• Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”
• Romans 5:3-5 (ESV): “…we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope…”
• James 1:12 (ESV): “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

These remind us that endurance isn’t just survival — it’s a path to growth, hope, and eternal reward.

Where Do People Turn Instead? 🤔

When hardships hit, many turn to:

• Self-reliance or willpower (which eventually runs out)
• Distractions like entertainment, work, or substances
• People or relationships for comfort

These might help temporarily, but only God’s power is strong enough to carry us through the deepest valleys. Why? Because it’s supernatural, unending, and tied to His unchanging purpose and grace.

Talk It Over: Practical Reflection Points ❓

• What fears, opposition, or criticism tempt you to pull back from what God has called you to do?
• In what ways do you feel “pressed on every side by troubles” right now?
• How can relying on God’s power change your response to these challenges?

Take a moment today to identify one area where you need fresh strength — then ask God for it!

A Prayer to Keep Going 🙏

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the promise that we are not crushed, not forsaken, not destroyed. When I feel knocked down and exhausted, remind me of Jesus’ determination and Paul’s endurance. Fill me with Your power — the same power that saved me and called me to this holy work. Help me run with endurance, looking to Jesus, and trust that You provide everything I need to finish what You’ve started in me. Strengthen me today, tomorrow, and the days ahead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Keep going, friend — God’s got you! 💙

If You Want to Grow, Sometimes You Have to Say ‘NO’

Hey there, faith runner! Ever feel like you’re sprinting through life with a backpack full of bricks? 😩 You’re not alone. In our fast-paced world, saying “yes” to everything seems like the norm, but what if the key to real spiritual growth is learning to say “no”? Let’s dive into this truth from Scripture and unpack how stripping away the extras can help you run your race with power and purpose.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 ESV)

This verse isn’t just poetry—it’s a practical blueprint for your faith journey. God calls us to endurance, not exhaustion. Ready to lighten your load? Let’s break it down.

Why “No” is Your New Best Friend in Faith 🛡️

Your spiritual marathon isn’t meant for shortcuts or overloads. Too many start strong but fizzle out because they’re hauling unnecessary baggage. God wants you to finish well! Think about it: You can’t crush a marathon carrying a barbell. 🏋️‍♂️

• De-Clutter for Speed: A cruise ship zips across the ocean unburdened. Add a hundred lifeboats? It crawls. Same with your life—plug a battery into one bulb, and it shines bright. Hook up 100? Drained in no time. ⚡
• Good vs. Best: Saying “yes” to every good thing can steal from God’s best for you. Hobbies, jobs, even relationships—they’re not evil, but if they slow you down, it’s time to evaluate.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. (1 Corinthians 9:24 ESV)

Paul nails it here: Run to win! That means prioritizing what propels you forward in faith.

Spotting the Weights That Hold You Back ⚖️

Weights aren’t always sin—they’re the “extras” that trip you up. Sin clings closely, sure, but even innocent stuff can weigh heavy. Here’s how to spot them:

• The Energy Drainers: That side hustle eating your quiet time with God? Or the endless scrolling that leaves no room for prayer? 🚫
• The Pressure Trap: Why do we say “yes” to everything? Fear of missing out? People-pleasing? Society screams “hustle harder,” but God whispers, “Seek first the kingdom.”

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 ESV)

Bold truth: It’s not worth it. If it’s slowing your race, drop it. Your faith journey demands focus—strip off the unnecessary and run free! 🏃‍♀️

Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead? That’s the vibe:

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14 ESV)

Time to Talk (and Act!) 💬

Let’s get real and reflective. Grab a journal or chat with a friend—these questions will help you apply this punchy truth:

• What weights are slowing you down? List the good things that might be blocking God’s best. Be honest!
• Why the “yes” pressure? Dig into the roots—FOMO, approval-seeking, or just habit?
• Challenge Time: This week, say “no” to one thing you’d normally agree to. Notice the difference? More peace? Deeper focus on God? Track it! 📝

Remember, saying “no” isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. It frees you to say “yes” to what truly matters.

A Prayer to Lighten Your Load 🙏

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the race You’ve set before us. Surround us with Your cloud of witnesses and give us the courage to lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely. Help us discern the good from the best, and empower us to say “no” when it leads to greater “yes” for Your kingdom. Teach us to run with endurance, pressing on toward the prize in Christ Jesus. Fill us with Your strength and peace as we de-clutter our lives for Your glory.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Who’s dropping a weight this week? ✋ Drop it below!