I didn't come this far, only to come this far

A few days ago I was reading a few articles about methods of language learning. Most of these articles were similar in giving some helpful tips and ideas of how to study a language. As I was reading these articles, they revealed to me the human tendency in seeking out the easiest method to do something. Many of the articles were titled something like, "The secret to learning a language" or "How to learn a language in 3 months." These articles are attractive to people because so often we desire comfort and ease. However, during my Russian learning experience it has been everything but comfort and ease. Now, while some of these articles were helpful in giving me ideas of how to better study, what I realized was this: purposed work, persistence, and perseverance is what is needed to learn.



One article ended with a quote:

"I didn't come this far, only to come this far."

This quote really stood out to me. After hundreds of hours (and many tears!) of studying Russian, there are still hundreds of hours of studying ahead of me. It's time to persevere, to continue...



But isn't this the truth in our walk with Jesus as well? Maybe you've been walking with Him for many years, or maybe you just recently surrendered your life to Him. But wherever you're at in your relationship with Him, you haven't come this far, only to come this far. He still has work to do in you, in your heart. He still is calling you into a more intimate relationship with Himself. There is still more purifying work to be done in our lives, through Him!

This side of eternity, Jesus still has work to do in us. This side of eternity, there is still more of Him that we can know. This side of eternity, there is yet a closer walk with Jesus that we can have. And He is calling us to Himself, with purpose and perseverance.

James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God and He will draw hear to you." What an awesome promise! And a promise not just for the new believer, but for the mature, spiritual believer as well. There is still room for you to draw even closer to Him. You can know His grace more. You can know His love more.  

To study a language you have to purpose in your heart to do it. There is no way to shortcut the learning process. There is no cheating when it comes to knowing a language because as soon as you speak, it will prove whether you know it or not. And of course, there is always more to learn.

The same goes with our relationship with Jesus. There is no shortcut to a deeper walk with Him. You are either pressing into Him or you're not. Are your purposed in your heart to seek after Him? Are you persisting and persevering in your relationship with Him? Time will tell if you are pretending or trying to take the shortcut in you walk with Him. The fruit in your life will prove the health of your walk. And of course, there is always more maturing work that Jesus desires to do in you!



Have you come this far in your walk with Jesus to only come this far? Or will you continue to press into Him with all perseverance and persistence?


"And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." - Hebrews 6:11-12



Blessings guys,
Byron