🏃Keep Moving Forward in Faith

✨Devotional Thoughts

As followers of Christ, we are called to make progress in our faith  The Christian life is not a sprint—it is a long, enduring journey filled with highs, lows, distractions, and moments of discouragement. What matters most is not how fast we move, but that we keep moving.

When I go out for my daily jog, I can almost predict what’s coming. In those first few minutes, my body starts to protest—my legs ache, my chest tightens, and my breath grows shallow. That first 3 kilometers always feels like a wall I have to break through. My mind whispers every excuse to stop, slow down, or turn back.

Over time, I coined a personal principle I call the "3k of 10k rule." I’ve noticed that if I can push through the first 3 kilometers, the rest of the 10k becomes manageable—even enjoyable. The resistance is always strongest at the start. But once I cross that early barrier, everything begins to align. My body adapts, my breath finds a rhythm, and my mind becomes focused. Momentum joins me, and suddenly, I’m not just surviving the run—I’m flowing in it.

That’s what progress looks like in real life. It doesn’t come easy, but it comes to those who don’t quit. The first stretch may be tough, but breakthrough always waits beyond it.

In the same way, our spiritual journey often starts with resistance. When we decide to truly follow Christ—praying daily, reading Scripture, forgiving others, dying to self—it’s often uncomfortable at first. Old habits don’t die easily. But just like the 3k of a 10k run, the first stage is crucial. That’s where battles are fought and victories are won in the secret place.

Paul early journey as a Christian was anything but easy. After his conversion, he faced opposition, rejection, imprisonments, and hardships (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). Yet he never stopped. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul said, "But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal..." Paul didn’t compare his pace with others. He was focused on finishing his race.

Some people in life may seem to be spiritually ahead—outpacing you in wisdom, ministry, or maturity. Others may fall behind. But your call is not to compare, but to continue. Your eyes are not on the crowd—they’re fixed on Jesus.

🪴Practical Reflections

• What are the first 3k moments in your spiritual life right now—areas that feel like a struggle?

• Are you allowing comparison to discourage your pace?

• What is one thing you can do today to keep moving forward, no matter how small?

Remember: Always making progress. A stumble isn’t failure. Standing still in doubt is more dangerous than walking slowly in faith. Keep going.

🌅 Closing Thoughts

Whether you're in a season of struggle, or you're coasting through with ease, don’t let up. Keep reading your Bible. Keep showing up in prayer. Keep extending grace. Like a jogger who has discovered their rhythm past the first hill, you will find strength as you go. And with every step, Jesus walks beside you—cheering you on.

🙏 Prayer

Lord, thank You for calling me forward in faith. Help me press through the hard beginnings and the discouragements that try to hold me back. Teach me not to compare, but to persevere. I fix my eyes on You, Jesus, and I trust You to help me keep going—step by step, day by day. In Your name I pray, Amen.