Don't Stop Believin'

​The Christian journey is often compared to a race or a challenge that requires endurance, preparation, and unwavering faith. Just as athletes train rigorously to complete something as demanding as an Ironman triathlon, we too must spiritually prepare for the trials and hardships that inevitably come in life. Hebrews 3:12-19 warns believers to stay vigilant in their faith, encouraging us to avoid the slow drift that can pull us away from Jesus. It's not enough to start strong—we need to finish strong in our walk with Christ.

Our daily lives are filled with distractions and obstacles that can slowly erode our faith if we aren’t careful. Much like the Israelites who doubted God’s promises after seeing His mighty works in Egypt, we too can lose sight of God’s power and provision when we focus on life’s challenges. The result is often a gradual drift, where Jesus becomes smaller and smaller in our lives, and our faith weakens. This passage from Hebrews calls us to pay attention to the warning signs—our hearts can harden if we allow doubt and disbelief to take root.

One of the dangers we face today, just like those early believers, is the temptation to let sin deceive us. Sin often looks harmless at first and even seems to please our eyes, but over time, it chips away at our relationship with Jesus. It’s easy to start thinking we’ve gotten away with it, but in reality, sin is hardening our hearts, making us slower to listen and less responsive to the truth of God’s Word. This is why Scripture emphasizes the importance of community—we must encourage and warn one another daily to avoid falling into this trap.

The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. We need each other’s support, friendship, and accountability to stay strong in our faith. When one of us begins to drift, we are called to come alongside them, offering help, not judgment. Just as Jesus comes to us through His Spirit, we are called to extend that same love and encouragement to others. The church is a team, a family, working together to grow in Christlikeness. This is a shared journey, and together, we can persevere.

If you feel like you’re stuck in a spiritual wilderness or even living in spiritual bondage, know that Jesus is the Deliverer. Just as He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He wants to lead you into freedom and life. There is a better way than living in the deceitfulness of sin and the distractions of the world. Turn to Jesus by faith, and He will guide you to the fullness of life that He has prepared for you.

For those who are faithfully walking with Jesus, we say, “Well done!” Keep persevering and telling the stories of what Christ is doing in your life. Your journey is a testimony to others, and your example can inspire those who may be struggling. Remember, it’s not about bragging—it’s about sharing the goodness of God’s work in your life.

As a church, we need more people like Joshua and Caleb, who saw giants through eyes of faith and trusted God’s promises even when the obstacles seemed insurmountable. We need more in our family who are walking daily with Jesus, living obedient and Spirit-filled lives, and telling the stories of what it’s like to live strong for Christ. Together, let’s run strong and finish well!

Our challenge to you today is to examine your faith. Are you living in the fullness of what God has for you, or are you drifting away? Don’t miss out on the blessings that come from a close relationship with Jesus. Let your faith be anchored in Him, trusting that even when your eyes deceive you, God’s promises remain true.