even when it hurts

As a bit of a sports nut, I enjoy a bit of exercise here and there. Since leaving school however, I think that my level of fitness has dropped enough for me to notice and care. At this point, I have been trying to go for a run as often as I can, usually in the afternoon at about 5.30. All to often I find myself sitting at home, the time for exercise has passed and I haven't taken the chance. I'll blog about procrastination one day, excuse the pun.

The point I want to make involves me actually going for that run I wanted to. And usually it involves pain, shortness of breath and a great amount of will power. About 1km into my I start to struggle, and I still have most of the run to go. But I push on. I know that I can run the full distance without stopping. I also know that if I stop then the benefit of that run will be tarnished and downgraded. I often have a voice in my head tell me, "just this once, you can walk and nothing will happen and no one will be hurt by it"

Surprising how close this is to the lie of the devil. He tells us that this sin and that sin can go unnoticed and unpunished. He tells us that it won't compromise us or damage us. He tells us that everything will be the same as it was. Don't believe that lie. Everything has a consequence. Good and bad. Every decision brings the need for another. Every lie births a second, and a third.

And so, I want to encourage you. Even when the temptation is so great that you want to give in. Whatever the sin and temptation may be- Don't! When the hard ships of life close in around you and when critics circle above you like vultures; don't stop. Crawl if you have to. But don't give up or give in.

Just like I had to think about the benefit of carrying on in my run, you also have to think about the blessing and benefit available once you pass through the storm.

Even when it hurts...