November 2025 - Believe in Me

"Our chief want in life is somebody who will make us do what we can." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Each of us has a sin that "doth so easily beset us." The one that no matter how hard we try it seems like we trip on it over and over again. What we have to remember is, Christ did not intend for us to run our race on our own. This life is a relay race, not a 100 meter dash. You are a part of a team. Each team member is there to help and encourage the others, to run their own race, and to pass the baton on to the next runner. If you are struggling, look to the runners around you. God has placed them in your race to teach you how to run, to lift you up when you fall, and to encourage you when you want to quit. 

1. Pick a mentor: "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up." (Ephesians 4:9-10) This needs to be someone who is willing to meet with you regularly. Preferably, someone who is older than you and wants to be your mentor more than your friend. Someone who will be willing to ask you the hard questions. Someone you trust to have the wisdom needed and the discretion to keep things confidential. Someone who will provide both grace and truth. Someone who will tell you like it is even when you don't want them too. 

2. Make a list: You need to have a list of requirements: include your why. Something your mentor can hand back to you when you are struggling or backing out. (It's harder to argue with your own words.) Something you can look at on a regular basis to remind you of what you need to do. Make it detailed: don't leave room for circumvention. No excuses. 

3. Make it happen: Reach out. Ask them. Then start meeting and start doing. There is no change without change. You have to start to finish. In life you will reach the end of your race regardless of whether you run with purpose or you just get pulled along for the ride, but wouldn't you rather look back on your life and know you did your best to run with purpose and conviction? 

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16) Get help. Get a mentor. You can overcome. It will "avail much."