Hold On!

Good morning, my friend!  Good morning, Father!

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” - John 6:66 

Father, this verse makes an impact on my heart this morning.  Scores of people saw Jesus in the flesh.  They walked with Him, talked with Him, ate with Him and witnessed miracles at His hand.  Even after all they had heard, seen and tasted, there came a day when some walked away.  When they received difficult teaching, a word that was too hard to hear - when they were instructed to do something that asked more of them than they could understand or was too unpleasant to consider, they turned their back and walked away.

Lord, my dear friend is going through a very hard season.  The winds of adversity are blowing and sometimes it all feels like more than they can bear.  Sometimes they feel that they might be losing their grip on You.  Their muscles have grown tired from holding on so tightly for so long without rest.  It’s tempting to consider letting go.  They don’t want to consider what would happen were they to let loose their grip - the loss and regret that would ensue.  All they know is that their heart and their muscles are aching, and the voice of the enemy whispers in the wind that blissful relief would come, if they would simply release their hold on You.  

Father in Heaven, still the enemy’s lying tongue!  Rescue them!  Hold them fast!  “Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 3:12.  Lord God, take hold of them!  Strengthen their grip.  Tie them.  Glue them.  Bind them.  Do whatever You need to do to adhere them firmly to the foot of Your throne.  Then do whatever it is You need to do, in them and through them, to accomplish Your purposes.  See them through the storm, Father.  Help them to endure to the very end, because, “Blessed is the man who is patient under trial and stands up under temptation, for when he has stood the test and been approved, he will receive the victor’s crown of life which God has promised to those who love Him.” - James 1:12

By the breath of Your Holy Spirit, inspire fresh courage and strength!  When they feel they can’t hold on one second longer, rush in and let them feel You wrapping Your arms around them, holding them tight.  Speak encouragement over them, Lord.  Give them ears to hear the great cloud of witnesses, that even now, cheer them on to victory (Heb 12:1).  Give them a glimpse of Your kingdom - a reminder of what lies ahead if they JUST. HOLD. ON.  May they endure to the very end.  And when the winds finally die down, may they be found faithful and receive the victor’s crown.   I pray they will come to know the all-consuming joy and sheer delight of hearing You say, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” - Matthew 25:21.  Father, strengthen them to keep holding on!  In Jesus Name ❤️

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