Never Give Up
Human endeavour, the quest to be the first to achieve something is a fascinating subject. Throughout history men and women have pushed and smashed through boundaries, for example 12 years ago in September we saw the first successful human powered circumnavigation of the world.
Jason Lewis from Dorset set out on his journey on 12th July 1994, from Greenwich. The expedition of over 46,000 miles, that Lewis thought would take 2-3years, took him over 13 years (4,833 days to be precise). Throughout, Lewis used only human-powered modes of transportation; on foot, by bicycle, roller blades, and a pedal powered boat.
His book ‘Dark Waters’ tells the story of the adventure and highlights the importance of concentrating on the present alongside perseverance and endurance. Lewis was hit by a car in Colorado whilst roller blading across North America. The accident broke both his legs, meaning a 9-month recovery before setting off again. In Australia he spent 4 years raising more funds to enable him to continue the journey. In total Lewis journeyed through 37 countries in 13 years. During that time he survived malaria, septicaemia, a bout of mild schizophrenia, and a crocodile attack near Australia in 2005.
His journey of bravery and courage (some might say utter madness) is one very few will take. For most, a journey such as the one Lewis’ took is either physically impossible or the last thing we would ever consider doing.
The Bible records stories of courage and bravery. Following his conversion, the Apostle Paul’s life was probably one of the most courageous journeys’ imaginable. His quest to spread the gospel throughout the Roman empire saw him stoned, shipwrecked and imprisoned. Paul was under attack physically, mentally and spiritually, but he kept going. Hebrews 12:1-2 says this
“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”.
The journeys that Jason Lewis and the Apostle Paul took were extraordinary; against all the odds they successfully crossed their finish lines. As Christians, the Bible challenges us to be courageous, to press on and not to give up.
CVM is a ministry focussed on seeing men come to faith in Jesus. At the heart of our ministry are 12 Christ-centred codes that point men to live a radical, sacrificial and biblical life for God. Code 12 says this: “If I fail, I will not give up. He never gives up on me”
Whether you’re a Christian or not, whether you’re a man or a woman, can I encourage you to run with perseverance the race marked out for you. Better still, gather people around you to cheer you on, pick you up when you fall and celebrate when you cross the finish line.
