Selwyn now looks at the last spiritual exercise on his list: perseverance – the steadfast pursuit of a goal – constant persistence.

I liked these  statements, from today’s study: “A great many people (me included) will have begun this year well in the sense that they made some good resolutions. But how many have fallen by the way? … Our lives are strewn with the wreckage of good beginnings which become poor endings.”

There are some people who excel in the completion of tasks – who are good at deflecting diversions and have a natural tenacity to follow projects through to completion. I’m not one of them.

Consequently, the key verse for today is a real challenge – Hebrews 12:1-2a (NIV): “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

If I was trying to run the race marked out for me, based on my own strength - I would not finish. It is only by fixing my eyes on Jesus and asking Him to provide the strength required, can I have some hope of finishing this race.

Jesus, is my Lord and God who works within me -  to provide the energy I need – to keep on, going.

Today’s prayer, in different forms, has often found its way into my heart: “Father, help me to keep on keeping on. However many of these exercises of the soul I have begun, help me to keep on with them. I don’t want to begin well but finish badly. I want to start and end well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” 

Any comments?