WEEK 18: Day 2
STAYING POWER

Matthew 24:12-13 
And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Starting is mostly wrapped as a gift, staying however is mostly presented as a choice.

The power to stay in a course you have started is found in the ability of focus and endurance.

James 1:2-4
Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.

On the journey of life, staying the course is required to benefit its rewards. More people fall out in their call because staying proves more difficult than starting.

1 Timothy 6:12
 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Using the example of an exercise regime whether it be physical exercises or even fasting, it has proven to be harder to stay the course.

This is because it is in continuity, one is stretched, strained and tested beyond what you once were into what you saw to be achieved.

That space in difference requires another level of power in Him.

Isaiah 40:31 
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

The power to stay, just as the power to start is sourced by Him.

May you be weary? Yes. May you get tired? Yes. May you be faint? Yes. Your strength in itself is little but His Strength is made perfect in our weaknesses.

In Him is a renewal of strength for the race He has set out for you. Even in obedience, you will need His Strength.

2 Timothy 2:15 
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Staying in your process isn't a position you orchestrated but one He is leading you through.

Whether in starting or in staying, it is a call of obedience to the One leading you.

1 Timothy 1:18-19
The prophetic word that was directed to you prepared us for this. All those prayers are coming together now so you will do this well, fearless in your struggle, keeping a firm grip on your faith and on yourself. After all, this is a fight we're in.
There are some, you know, who by relaxing their grip and thinking anything goes have made a thorough mess of their faith.

Staying power is a fight of choice: the choice of obedience to the call of Faith or the choice of emotions - how you feel or the tiding of the times.

John 15:7-8
If you live in Me and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you.
When you produce much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine.

I pray you know your staying power is a choice to trust Him in obedience to the path started in Jesus name, amen.

Rain in a bucket: Devotional with Toyosi
www.raininabucket.wordpress.com