Message summary: Friend, don't be deterred by the difficulties of life, but plod on, one step at a time.

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"So let us know, let us press on to know the LORD." (Hosea 6:3a) "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:14).

Today let us consider the value of a plodder. In regard to walking it means one who moves heavily or trudges laboriously. But in a more expanded meaning it is to work or act perseveringly. A negative aspect that I reject states, "thorough and hard-working but lacking in imagination or intelligence." Granted, that in a sense plodders may not be visionary or they lack in inspiration, but there's no reason to assert they lack intelligence!

The older you get in life the more your appreciation grows for plodders. We've met many, such as the late Jim Scanlon. He wrote, "I have always been a 'plodder', not interested in making the headlines, just following my Shepherd."

Another plodder we are blessed by is our Texan friend, David Penley, who in spite of some severe health setbacks in life, plods on. He wrote, "The importance of simple, persistent, every day faith is so vital."

Warren Wiersbe wrote a book, "In Praise of Plodders". "Plodders are those who labor with determination and drive--whether pastor, teacher, choir director, or counselor."


Aesop wrote, "Plodding wins the race."

Plodding, in a sense, is analogous to the term "pressing on" in our daily texts. God dispenses His grace while conforming us to His image all along the way. Many of us have been on this journey for decades but initially knew little of the ensuing battle the enemy would launch to recapture our soul, and yet we plod on mile by mile, knowing that God's strength, power and abiding Holy Spirit will take us forward to our heavenward goal.

In comparing our journey to running a race the apostle Paul reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize, lest the arduous and wearying race causes us to stumble and cry out, "It's hopeless!"

Our journey of faith may at times seem daunting. The indefinite aspect of the "future" reward may weary us and can easily fade from our view. But we encourage you to just keep plodding on one step at a time.

There are three songs that speak of "ten thousand years", a time span that seems practically unimaginable. One is a famous old hymn, one is a gospel song and another a very popular contemporary song. Each use the "ten thousand year" perspective to show how long eternity will be in comparison to the relative shortness of life here as we know it now.

Friend, don't be deterred by the difficulties of life, but plod on, one step at a time. Your future reward lies just ahead.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, when we begin our journey with You, we're uncertain of all that lies ahead. We're told in Scripture that if we walk with Christ old things have passed away, and all things have become new. That's because we now align our thoughts and actions according to Scripture; we begin to see through the eyes of Christ; and we press on to the high calling of God in Christ Jesus so that we will receive our future eternal reward laid up for us already in heaven. Keep us steadily plodding, trusting, while also being fruitful as we press on in the faith. Through Christ Jesus we pray. Amen.

Benjamin Nathan Cardozo (May 24, 1870 – July 9, 1938) was an American lawyer and jurist who served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He wrote, "In truth, I am nothing but a plodding mediocrity — please observe, a plodding mediocrity — for a mere mediocrity does not go very far, but a plodding one gets quite a distance. There is joy in that success, and a distinction can come from courage, fidelity and industry."

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In Praise of Plodders: Warren Wiersbe

As a blogger this is an interesting article by Tim Challies, "A Call for Plodding Bloggers"

These are the three songs that have "ten thousand years" in the lyrics:

"Ten Thousand Years"  Video  Ernie Haase and Homecoming Singers

"Ten Thousand Reasons"  Video  Matt Redmon
"Amazing Grace"  Video  Various Homecoming singers

Finally today: