Hold On.......

​Joshua 23:8
Hold fast to the Lord your God.
 
As many of you know I enjoy boating and water sports.   I used to love to ride a tube behind the boat, but as I have gotten older, the tube riding has come to a halt.  I can’t hang on like I use to could.  I remember riding the tube and holding on for dear life.  I think the older I have gotten, the worse my grip has become, and as I hear, it’s going to get worse.  
 
I was watching a movie the other night and the sailors were on a boat going through a storm and the captain kept yelling, “Hold Fast, don’t let go” as the men were holding on to the ropes for the sails.   It was torcher watching those men hang on and the water and the wave battering them and all the people helping them.   The storms of life can throw you around and beat you up, but we have a Savior that tells us to Hold Fast!    Don’t’ give up, the more violent the storm, the more strength we need to give to holding on.
 
God uses all things in our life to make use rely on Him more.   My pastor says that pressures in life will either make you better or bitter.   I pray each day that I will be better. 
 
In Joshua 23, Joshua was the man God had used the bring the Israelites into the Promised Land.   After years of hardship, pain and faithful service, Joshua’s life was coming to an end.   He was an old man and death was knocking on his door.    He gathered the people together one last time to say goodbye, but in that moment, he said “Hold fast to the Lord your God.”
 
What does this mean?   We need to stay focused on the task at hand.  Do not get distracted.   Follow the Lord, no matter the cost.   It’s amazing how quick I can become distracted in life.   The amazing thing is when I get distracted, and come back to the Lord, He is still there.   He is waiting patiently for me right at the point I got distracted.   He allows me to repent and return.  He gives me complete forgiveness each time through the blood from the cross.
 
So, no matter where you are today, HOLD FAST, not matter what storms may be around you at this time.