Longevity

I confess that I’m often a little cynical when it comes to weddings. Especially if it involves a very young couple. Yes, they are in love. Yes, it might be a good match at this point. But their perspective is very limited. They are glibly making promises for a lifetime of commitment when they have no concept of longevity. “Till death do us part” is just a phrase that’s easy to say and hard to live.

There’s a saying that we sometimes use to describe our determination. We say that “we’re in it for the long haul.” I looked up the meaning and history of this expression, which confirms that it’s from a trucking term and means being committed to something for an extended period, intending to see it through to the end, even if it’s difficult, requires significant effort, or takes a long time. Some synonyms are: lasting, durable, long-term, or permanent, as in abiding, continuing, deep-rooted, durable, eternal, everlasting. Oh, now we’re getting into some biblical terms, aren’t we?

God has made some promises that indicate that he’s committed to  us “for the long haul.” Jesus said, in John 10:28, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” And John assures us again in 1 John 2:25 that “this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life.” Still again, it’s John who sums up his writing this way: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God” (I John 5:13).

John was sure about God’s part. Was he indicating here a concern for our part? He had good reason to. He had been through a lot in his relatively short time with Jesus. He had seen all the disciples run away (including himself) when the going got tough. After Jesus’ resurrection, though, there was a renewal of faith that carried them through to the end, even as they faced martyrdom.

We have probably all made vows to follow Christ, whether at the time of our conversion, or baptism, or re-commitment. How can we follow through on those promises when life is difficult and even seemingly impossible? Only by trusting God’s strength to enable us and guide us one step at a time. The Psalmist had the answer. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). “Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart” (Psalm 27:14).

Are you waiting on Him one day at a time? Are you in it for the long haul?

“One Day at a Time” from “Keep Walkin’”