Trailblazers

Sometimes I think that mankind in general has lost sight of what it took to bring us to where we are today. There have been pioneers in all cultures and all disciplines that have accepted the ridicule that comes from advancing new theories and suffered the deprivation that results from investing your entire existence in a dream. These trailblazers were willing to walk the unmarked path to make it easier for those who followed. Granted, we have a long way to go in some areas, but history tells us that we have made great strides, benefiting from the willingness of others to remain true to their convictions.

Hebrews 13 (NLT)
¹²So take a new grip with your tired hands and stand firm on your shaky legs. ¹³Mark out a straight path for your feet. Then those who follow you, though they are weak and lame, will not stumble and fall but will become strong.

Exhaustion is a state of physical or mental tiredness that results in collapse. When we say that we are exhausted, we mean that we have decided not to do any more until we stop and rest. Medically speaking, that is not exhaustion. True exhaustion is when your body has reached the point of shutdown. I remember watching the Olympic Games some years ago as a marathon runner entered the stadium after hours of running. The brain was no longer in control of the runner’s muscles. He was weaving from side to side on the track, unable to focus on the finish line. You could tell that there was nothing left in reserve. Contrary to the rules, officials guided this runner to the finish line where he collapsed. Every ounce of physical and emotional strength had been consumed – he had truly exhausted his supply of energy.

The writer of Hebrews recognized that the Christian life could have the same effect on a believer’s body. Every aspect of our being – body, mind, and spirit – can be used up in service to God. We can reach the point where we can think of nothing else but going home to be with our Savior. In fact, when we truly walk in the footsteps of Jesus - that will be the outcome. We will be consumed in the process of our mission and our ministry. However, this passage reminds us that God alone makes the call as to when that point is reached.

Scripture tells us that, when we think we are all spent, we are finally in the position of really making a difference. We are forced out of ourselves and into the position of total dependence on the Father. When we hold on even when there is no strength in our hands, we realize that our hands are being held in the hands of God. When we pull ourselves up on shaky legs, we feel the Father’s hands lifting us to our feet. When we take that step of faith on the path that God has laid out, we see Jesus showing us where we are headed.

The result of this type of obedience and faith is an example for those who follow us on our journey through this hostile land. Our willingness to stand in the face of adversity strengthens the resolve of others. Our hand, however tired, stretched out to help a brother provides energy to their walk. If we are following Jesus on our journey, they will be able to see Him also. We are marking the trail so that others can avoid the pitfalls we have encountered.

We serve an awesome God!!!!!