“It was for this freedom that Christ set us free — completely liberating us; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”
Staying the Course When Times Are Difficult
These are difficult times, and the enemy would love nothing more than to pull us off the path God has set. Distractions — mental, physical, emotional, or spiritual — attempt to weaken our focus and drain our courage. But the Word reminds us that Christ has made us free, and He calls us to stand firm and stay the course.
Distractions That Derail Us
Distractions don’t always come as obvious sin. Sometimes they are subtle — things that sap spiritual strength and shift our gaze. As Jesus said in John 10:10 (AMP),
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].”
When we lose focus, we also lose momentum — and eventually direction. The enemy knows if he cannot stop us openly, he will try to drain our endurance quietly.
Staying the Course Requires Faith in Motion
We cannot stay the course by sight — circumstances shift too quickly. We walk by faith, not appearance:
“For we walk by faith [we regulate our lives and conduct ourselves by our conviction], not by sight or appearance.” — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (AMP)
Faith is not passive; it is a lived conviction. It is Christ expressing Himself through us in love. This is why Galatians teaches:
“…what matters is faith working through love.” — Galatians 5:6 (AMP)
Guarding Against Doctrinal Detours
Paul rebuked the Galatians because they started well — but allowed others to pull them back into bondage. Wrong doctrine always leads to a wrong course. That’s why Jesus said:
“If you continue in My word… you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31–32 (AMP)
When we drift from truth, we drift from freedom. The course God sets is always guarded by obedience to His Word.
The Holy Spirit — Our Strength and Stability
We cannot stay the course by human willpower — only by surrender to the Spirit. Our sufficiency is not in ourselves:
“I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me… I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency.” — Philippians 4:13 (AMP)
The Spirit strengthens where flesh collapses. He anchors us when everything else shakes.
Finishing the Race Set Before Us
Staying the course is not about perfection — it is about perseverance. The righteous live by faith, not feelings. We keep our eyes on Jesus and finish the work assigned to us.
“For the righteous will live by faith.” — Romans 1:17 (AMP)
Faith takes hold of the promise — and keeps walking until the promise manifests.
Key Takeaway
To stay the course in difficult times:
- Walk by faith, not sight
- Stay rooted in truth
- Refuse distractions and detours
- Lean on the Holy Spirit for strength
- Endure with your eyes fixed on Christ
Closing Prayer
Father, in difficult times, anchor our focus and steady our feet. Help us walk by faith and not by sight. Keep us from detours, distractions, and deception. By Your Spirit, strengthen us to stay the course until we finish well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.