Stay the Course

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  

Hebrews 2:1(ESV)

In October 2019, 15 of the top marathon runners who were competing in the 2019 Portland Marathon got off course and became disqualified. It was heartbreaking for the accomplished runners and marathon organizers.  

The runners said they thought they were following an official volunteer on a bicycle and didn’t see the cones that directed the correct way.  Rather than going left, they went right at a crucial junction.  The results were the runners went the wrong direction for more than two miles and were disqualified for not staying on course. The celebrated marathoners caused other runners to go off course as well. One runner said, “It’s really easy to lose motivation when this kind of thing happens.”  

There are many things that can distract, divert, or derail Christ-followers today.  We as leaders must stay alert and follow the Lord’s guidance in these turbulent times.  With the current COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing civil unrest, the economic instability, and ever-changing gathering restrictions, we as pastors must stay on course.   

In the middle of the biblical declaration of the superiority of Jesus Christ, the writer pauses with this clear admonition, “Therefore we must pay much closer attention…”   These days call all of us to be more alert and awake than ever.  We must remember the fact that Jesus is still our only hope and He is still the answer for the world today.    

You might consider Jimmy Evans newest book, “Tipping Point – The End Is Here.” It is an excellent resource for understanding the days we are currently facing. This timely book reminds us that Jesus is coming soon. Knowing this, keeps us focused on the truth and not the fake narratives that are spewed out 24/7 on cable news, Facebook, and Twitter. 

You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.

Psalm 119:1-2 (The Message) 

I admonish you today, OMN pastors and ministers, “Stay the course.”