I love this photo because it depicts the enthusiasm and energy we need to run the race God has set before us. (I, also, love it because that’s my grandson out front!)

Sadly, after enthusiastically writing my blog, A Vision for Retirement, on March 8, I posted nothing for 6 weeks. I felt like quitting.

Have you ever felt like that? Had doubts about the calling and work God has given you to do?  I have. For various reasons and at numerous times, I’ve felt discouraged and thought I would write no more.
 
It was partly because of traveling and visiting family, partly because of fatigue, but mostly because of apathy (a feeling that it’s useless) that I stopped writing. On Easter Sunday, the Holy Spirit brought me out of my pit of discouragement.

He encouraged me through Scripture, through text messages and letters from friends, and through the gift of a beautiful violet handed to me by a dear friend.
 
And, today, as I read and meditated on these words: “So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless (1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT), he resurrected my desire and commitment to write.
 
What motivates us to be enthusiastic and immovable? How do we know our work is not useless? That little word “so” at the beginning of this verse refers to the previous discussion of the resurrection of Jesus. Because he rose from the dead that we are assured that he will keep all of his promises. Because he rose from the dead, we have the power to overcome apathy, energy to pursue Jesus, and assurance that our work is of value.
 
Every moment of every day, God’s grace and power are available to us. We simply need to recognize our need and ask for help, as my following poem declares.


Every moment, every hour,
I need your help; I need your power.
 
My spirit is willing; my body is weak.
Help me pray and stay awake,
 
Alert to dangers and to snares.
Save me from the swamp of “earthly cares”—
 
Urgencies, which really are not;
Worries, which weigh-down my heart;
 
Everything that steals my energy and time;
Teach me to kneel instead of climb.
 
Pride diverts me from your path;
Daily, help me conquer that!
 
Especially, now that I am older,
I can’t afford clutter and disorder
 
My memory has enough to do.
It can’t constantly review
 
Where I’ve been or what I’ve done;
I’ve got to put some blinders on.
 
Look straight ahead, not turn aside;
In your words of truth abide.
 
Jesus, be with me every hour.
I need your help; I need your power.
 
Jane Ault
3/12/2019


12 Responses

  1. Your words are always an inspiration. I’m sorry when I get to doing whatever distracts and I pass up reading your blog. From now on I will be a faithful reader!

    1. Thanks, Judith. I’ve viewed you as a faithful reader for quite some time and always appreciate your words of encouragement.

    1. Thank you for your comment, Genie. You seem to understand the importance of perseverance. Perhaps because you’ve practiced it.

  2. Friday mornings are not the same without your wonderful words of poetry and encouragement! Thank you for the reminder of being on guard for those snares of the enemy and to be daily equipped in our armor!

    1. Thanks for your encouragement, Jane Ann! Please pray that God would give me something to share each week and that I would know what it is.

  3. Thank you, Jane for persevering. I love the encouragement you give in your blog. We all need to be reminded that what we do is important and we need to keep on keeping on in whatever the Lord has given us to do. You are a blessing!!

    1. Thank you, Sandy, for consistently reminding me to “keep on keeping on”. Your words of encouragement are just what I needed, today!

      1. This was wonderful and just what I needed to hear as well. Thanks Jane for your perseverance and for sharing so openly. You always encourage me with your words. Thanks for being who you are, I’m truly blessed by your words and your love for God and your obedience to Him.

        1. So good to hear from you, again, Rose. Many times your words have been a source of encouragement to me!

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