"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you."

-James 4:8

There are many things that hinder us from drawing near to God and having a close relationship with Jesus Christ. We commit ourselves to daily prayer and Scripture, but in time we just give up. We fight and resist temptation and sin, but in time the fight is over. I am reminded of the woman, who was no doubt physically weakened by hemorrhaging for twelve years, who pushed her way through a crowd to get near to Christ; likewise, the friends of a paralytic had to climb up on top of the house, dig a hole in the roof and lower him on a pallet so he would be near to Christ; with the same diligence, the blind beggar, Bartimaeus, kept yelling out to Christ even though many sternly told him to be quiet until he was brought near to Christ. Is it easy for you to give up? Don’t give up. Remember, He has said, “I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Therefore, draw near to God. Be encouraged!

References: James 4:8; Luke 8:43-48; Mark: 2:1-12; 10:46-52; Isaiah 41:10