Let’s Roll !
It is said that at 211 degrees (F) we have hot water, but with just one degree more at 212, water boils. With boiling water comes steam, and with steam we can power a TRAIN! Just that one extra degree, makes ALL the difference. *
Have you noticed that God has a way of turning up the heat to ACHIEVE that 212 degrees? He wants us moving in power, moving forward. Pressing on…
Paul … “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. (AMEN – Go God!) 13 Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. 14 I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. 15 So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet!” (Bring on the God glasses!) – Phil. 3:12-15 MSG (emphasis mine)
It is urban legend that Winston Churchhill walked to the mic while addressing the students of his alumni Harrow School. With a one phrase exhortation, he says, “Never, never, never give up.” Then proceeded back to his seat. This is NOT what happened. He did indeed offer a complete speech, inbedded was the statement, “Never give in, never give in, never; never; never; never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – Never give in, Except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never yield to force. Never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy.” I LOVE IT! Never give up and never give in, to me have the potential of entirely two different things. Giving up paints the picture of head hung, turning and going home, empty handed. Giving in, tells me, I have stayed in line, but have opted for alternatives, I am not empty handed 
but perhaps have the wrong things in my hand.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Gal. 6:9 The phrase “not become weary” literally means “to unloose, to relax”, the image is that of a bow string. Don’t ‘slack’ your bow! When we do, we are vulnerable, not prepared, give up. We are to pull it and hold it tight. As Paul says ‘keep focused’.
Where are WE? On the tracks but no steam to move? In line but ready to bolt? Does God want to give us blessings, but our hands are full of doubt – fear of the ‘might be’ – insecurity and self centeredness?
How often do we stop short. Stop short of moving this lug of a locomotive we call …. LIFE. I know I have a few rust spots due to lack of movement. But by golly, LETS ROLL! Just one MORE degree. Don’t give in, don’t give up.
“God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus.”
In Him, DeDe ( “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
* Concept taken from ‘212’ – Sam Parker.
Inspired Fountain 