Keep the Faith

March 30, 2021

By Rev. Toi King, Pastor of Saturday Worship & Community Care

DAILY READING

Hebrews 12:1-2

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God..” V. 1-2 NRSV

Have you ever doubted yourself? Have you ever let the opinions of others keep you from following your dreams? Have you ever given up? Have you ever lost faith? 

I remember being so scared all the times I tried out for choirs, dance teams, twirling teams, speech and debate, and roles in plays. My Granny would say “keep the faith baby; Jesus has already gone before you so you can do anything you set your mind to do.”

I was forty years old when I decided to attend seminary. I was a single Mom with a full-time job. I really wanted to apply for Vanderbilt Divinity School. I was told by people I trusted that it would be hard for a person like me to get accepted into Vanderbilt. I was feeling doubtful then I remembered what my Granny said, “keep the faith baby; Jesus has already gone before you so you can do anything you set your mind to.” 

Jesus is the greatest example of keeping the faith. Jesus kept the faith no matter what he faced. Jesus knew that God had his back and if he remained faithful to God, God would take care of him. Jesus did not focus on the situation or listen to what other people had to say. Instead, Jesus focused on the end results, saving the world from the slavery of sin and death. Jesus’ faith allowed him to go to the cross for us. Jesus knew he had to die so that we could live. Jesus kept the faith and never gave up.

Those encouraging words from my Granny inspired me to apply for seminary. I did not focus on the obstacles, what others had to say. Instead, I focused on God and I trusted that God would take care of me. Church, God wants you to keep the faith and never give up. Stop focusing on the circumstances and situation and focus on God with your eyes on Jesus. 

PRAYER

Gracious God, our Father in Heaven, Lord, we thank you for allowing Jesus to teach us how to place our faith and trust in you. God, bless our eyes so we may focus on you and not our circumstances and situations. God, bless our ears that we may hear only your voice. God, increase our faith so that we may run this race of life with perseverance. God, always remind us to keep the faith and never give up. In Jesus’ name we pray, let the Church say Amen!