You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.” I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion, whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty.

–-Parallel verses:
‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬
I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Sometimes we fall. Other times we get worn out. And just like the apostle Peter, who was walking on water (Matt. 14:28-31), we take our eyes off of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. The good news is … we can repent, get back up, and continue on our path to salvation.

I think this issue of getting cut off, or off course, in the race of life is one I hear about and see more than most as a reason for quitting the race of following Jesus. Someone tells us about a shortcut to happiness, or gets us to focus on how unfair life is, or maybe they get us to focus on other people’s races and judging them. Whatever the reasons are for the Galatians and for us, we need to get back up, repent, and start again.

God has great plans for us as we follow him, but apart from him we can accomplish nothing. And so we cannot pay attention to those who are trying to cut in on the roles and the work God has called us to. We must focus on the truth that is in the Word of God, seek his face and understand his heart through prayer.

“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. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
(‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬)

Lord, thank you for allowing us to get back up and rejoin you in your work. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on you. Those who try to distract me from your ways will be judged in the end, but you call me to stay focused and serve faithfully with endurance, under your authority.