This year I have made several commitments to some crazy things. These commitments were not simple last minute decisions made in spontaneity, but with prayer and much thought. They are intense physical obstacles that I will have to overcome. To be honest, some of them scare me. No,terrify me. But as a friend lovingly reminded me, if I want to do something like crazy missions work, be on the Amazing Race, or Survivor, I need to step up my game and do something about it. Well, I am and yes it scares me. Yes, it is already difficult. Yes, it requires a lot of discipline on my part. And yes, I am going to follow through on what I commit to. So in light of some of my decisions for this year, I found some great verses as encouragement when I want to give up or quit. 

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” -Philippians 4:13

“…Let us run with endurance the race that is before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”  – Hebrews 12:1

“For the moment, all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”  -Hebrews 12:11

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? …so glorify God with your body.”  – 1 Corinthians 6:19 

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”  – 1 Corinthians 10:31

“He gives power to the faint and to him who has no might he increases strength…but they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…they shall run and not be weary, walk and not faint.”  -Isaiah 40:29-31

“…So run to obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things…so I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control…”  – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”  – Colossians 3:23-24

“Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”  – Psalm 105:4