Sunday Devotional With Mr.E: Endurance

 As an art teacher, I often find myself reminding my students that "GOOD ART TAKES TIME".  For some reason, they want to race through their projects to be the first one complete.  In the rush to finish, their art work truly suffers.  They are messy, incomplete, lacking detail, and not fully developed in concept & composition. I will first tell them to look at their work HONESTLY and see if it is truly their best.  If they can see it is not, I will have them go back and fix it up.  If they tell me it is their best work, then I will take them through the different parts of their picture that might need their attention.  Sometimes during their attempts to complete their work ( the second time), I will hear them complain about something being too hard or that they "can't" do it (reasons why they may have rushed the first time....frustration & lack of confidence).  They need to move past the mental blocks of "TOO HARD" & "I CAN'T".  They aren't just words, but a mind set that traps young artists. This prevents them from finding joy & success in creating.  I can reteach the lesson/concept, work individually with them, and answer questions they might have, but what will benefit them the most is continuing to try their best and being able to work through their frustration.  There is an endurance in art that some do not consider.  Being an artist is like a marathon runner.  Time, practice, and pushing through the frustrations will yield reward.  

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of thrown of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Herbrews 12: 1-2

Our faith walk can be derailed by our mind set.  We allow the world to speak lies into our life that just aren't true.  It may come from media, friendships, or even family. These lies start to  take root in our life, and we find ourselves struggling to move forward. These lies are the things that so easily entangle.  We be believe the lies instead of what the Lord says.  We choose lies over the the truth.  Fixing our eyes on the Lord, pushing through the lies of this world and focuses on THE TRUTH.  It takes work.  It takes time of being uncomfortable. There can be a battle in our heart and mind.  If you continue in the truth and trusting who God says you are...you WILL overcome! Lies will come, situations will rise up again, and wars will rage around you. You will have an endurance because your faith is stronger. When the next time the battles rage...yes...there will be a next time...you will be stronger...IN HIM! The lies will no longer have the same impact they once did. The traps of this world will not snare you. The wounds will not be as deep.  God will get the glory, and you will run the race with endurance....to the victory which He already has won!!