By Pastor Mark Moreno

Driving and Striving

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Most things that are worth doing, are worth doing well. Or so the saying goes. So if you are going to start a project, an effort, then you should “go the distance”. There is a story making the rounds that really helps capture this idea.

With the war in Ukraine, many ordinary people have shown extraordinary resilience. One such story is that of Oleksandr, a remarkable individual who has been dedicated to rescuing people in need amongst the conflict.

Despite the dangers, Oleksandr goes through war-torn areas in his makeshift vehicle, often risking his life to save others. Over the past year, he has rescued many civilians, including children and the elderly, providing them with safe passage to shelters and medical aid. His amazing commitment exemplifies going the distance, not just physically but emotionally and morally, in the face of ongoing hardships.

That story inspires me in many ways! If he would have just done that once, it would be amazing. But for him to do this many times, each time at the risk of his own life, each time finding people injured or worse, the trauma he has seen should be more than enough to stop. But he doesn’t.

In 2 Timothy 4:7-8, we read,

“I have fought the good fight,  I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord,  the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not  only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
English Standard Version

Do you need encouragement to “go the distance”? It can be easy to give up or to stop short and feel that we can’t go farther. Yet our Lord has a word that motivates us and inspires us. That is because He is the Word!

Our Lord Jesus goes the distance for us. He is even more determined than Oleksandr! No matter how great the distance, how deep the sea, how high the mountain, our Lord gives of Himself so that we know He is with us in the midst of our life, our work, and our family.

Jesus went all the way from heaven to earth, all the way to the cross, all the way to the ends of the earth so that you and I would have a certain and living hope. I encourage you to hold onto God’s promises and go the distance knowing that God goes with you!

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado