"Which one of you, planning to build a tower, would not first carefully estimate the cost, making sure there was enough money to complete the construction? Otherwise, having laid the foundation, you may be forced to abandon the work.
Those looking on would laugh, and say: "You began to build, but now you are ruined.""
--Jesus
Following Christ is NOT
for the FAINT OF HEART!
My son, Brenan, earned the chance to compete at last year's Big Ten Wrestling Championships. His first match was against the reigning national champ from Iowa. Brenan wrestled admirably, i.e., he didn't embarrass himself. The next match was against a lesser opponent with whom Brenan should have been more competitively balanced. However, he wrestled terribly and lost.
Later on we went for a walk to talk about the match as we often did throughout his wrestling career. Brenan is not an emotional kid, in fact, I really can't remember that many times in his life where I saw him cry. But he did now, sobbing deeply in his frustration. He said, "Dad, I just couldn't shake the thought that I can't win this match."
When the time was right I reminded him his greatest opponent in life would be himself: his own doubts and fears. There comes a time in every man's life when he must confront and conquer them or face the terrible consequences of living with the internal scorn of being a quitter.
To the ones who 'overcome' Jesus promises they will receive a white stone with a new name written on it. The meaning of the name will be known only to the one who receives it. But be assured that that moment will reveal the fact Jesus knew in those dark and terrible times, confronted by fear and doubt, you did not quit!
Later on we went for a walk to talk about the match as we often did throughout his wrestling career. Brenan is not an emotional kid, in fact, I really can't remember that many times in his life where I saw him cry. But he did now, sobbing deeply in his frustration. He said, "Dad, I just couldn't shake the thought that I can't win this match."
When the time was right I reminded him his greatest opponent in life would be himself: his own doubts and fears. There comes a time in every man's life when he must confront and conquer them or face the terrible consequences of living with the internal scorn of being a quitter. To the ones who 'overcome' Jesus promises they will receive a white stone with a new name written on it. The meaning of the name will be known only to the one who receives it. But be assured that that moment will reveal the fact Jesus knew in those dark and terrible times, confronted by fear and doubt, you did not quit!
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Comments are welcome. You can post them here or send me an email: clyon2msu@gmail.com. Thanks for reading, hope you are encouraged, blessed, challenged and grow stronger in your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Charlie