How many of us have had children sit in the back seat of our cars while travelling and repeatedly asking "Mom, are we there yet?"  There's an impatience about them.  They get tired of riding, and that leads to restlessness, anxiety,and frustration.  But isn't that like the impatience that many of us, as Christians, exhibit while striving toward our destinations in the kingdom of God.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us"

There are too many of us who have started with Jesus Christ, and because of discouragements of one sort or another, have turned aside from our original purposes.  Some think that it takes too long or that the way of the cross is too difficult, and decide that it's just not worth it.  Jesus instructed that, if we continued in His words, then we would be His disciples indeed.  Isaiah reminded us that, those who waited upon the Lord, would renew their strength, mounting upon wings as eagles; running, but not wearied; walking, but not fainting.

The prize is not given to those who run the race but do not cross the finish line.  There is no reward for those who begin the journey, sincerely and with good intentions, only to quit before completing their course.  Condemnation and disappointment awaits those who, just as Lot's wife, look back after being instructed by God to set their affections on things above, not on things on this earth. 

"And Jesus said unto him, no man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God"   

There is a dangerous and erroneous doctrine being taught that tells people that, once they have accepted the Lord, they cannot lose their salvation.  I truly believe that those who believe such things are probably good intentioned, but they don't realize the damage they may cause.  I have met many who are clearly walking outside of the bounds set by the word of God, only to believe their salvation is secure because they have, at some time in the past, received the Lord.  Paul cautioned us in Romans 6:1-2 that we should not continue in sin, that the grace may abound.  He asked this question, "How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" 

Paul also admonished the church at Philippi to stop looking back at things from the past, the successes and the failures, but to "press toward the mark of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."  He confessed that they had not yet accomplished what they were called to accomplish, so there was no room for complacency which leads to slothfulness. 

"Exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  For we are made partakes of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end" 

1 Timothy 4:1 says that "in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."  Jesus warned His disciples that, in the last days, false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many.  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold, but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

The divine power of God has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, so there is really no need to give up on our dreams and visions.  As a matter of fact, scriptures teach that where no vision exists, the people perish.  Don't allow anyone, not family ,friends or co-workers, to discourage you in your quest for the kingdom.  Don't be like those who throw in the towel prematurely, not realizing how close they were to the finish line. 

Whenever you feel a weakness, that's the time to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive strength.  That's not the time to quit or give up on your kingdom dreams, but time to more fervently fast, pray, to contend for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints.  Know that you are blessed when you hunger and thirst after the righteousness of God, and that as you strive to enter in at the strait gate, He will never leave not forsake you. 

"Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world"

Be Encouraged!  Don't Stop Now!  We're Not There Yet!