When the Going Gets Tough...

February 26, 2021

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT

We have all heard the statement, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

A slight change in the statement improves it. The tough are who they are because of what they have already been doing. Perhaps the most accurate statement would be, “When the going gets tough, the tough keep going.” Jesus is the most compelling example of this. He had already been giving His utmost to His assignment, fulfilling the will of His Father. And then it got harder. As the ultimate champion, He showed us how to look beyond the sacrifice and pain and push on. He gave us the example of focusing on the outcome, not the temporary sacrifice.

The enneagram joins with the biblical urging to “strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” It helps us see the characteristics of life the way we live it that damage us, destroy relationships, and hinder our satisfaction, relationships, and witness. It shows us the race we were created to run, unique to our personalities. And it assists us in getting rid of the wrong and getting it right.

It’s not an easy process, but it is simple. Keep your eyes on Jesus. He is the champion of the race. He is the One who never stopped no matter how tough it was. He initiated our faith relationship—He loved us and paid the ultimate price for us when we had no desire for Him at all. He perfects our relationship of faith with Him and others. He shows us what needs to go and what needs to stay, then helps us have the courage and wisdom to obey.

He teaches us to focus on the rewards of sticking with the process and to make small issues of the pain and humility it requires to become who He created us to be. The rewards are so well worth it.

• Pray: Jesus, the journey to who I was created to be has so many rewards if I stick with it. But I admit that sometimes it is painful, and I am tempted to quit. Thank You for Your example and presence. You keep me going when things are tough. Amen.