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When I visited Ollantaytambo in Peru in 2008 the guide showed us the “tired stones”. These large slabs came from a quarry on a mountain, across a river and part way up the very long ramp to the city. For unknown reasons these stones never made their way to the top for use in the building project. Now they serve as a point of comedy.

Alas, some people say “Yes” to Jesus and for many reasons they never finish the climb. They lay strewn about as “tired stoppers”.

Yes, life is tough, and even tougher when you serve Jesus and have demons fight you every inch of your life, but “We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way.”

Tired Stones on the long gravel ramp, Peru, 2008

“Since we are surrounded by so many examples {of faith}, we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially sin that distracts us. We must run the race that lies ahead of us and never give up. We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace it brought him. Then he received the highest position in heaven, the one next to the throne of God. Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don’t become tired and give up” (Hebrews 12:1-3 God’s Word).

“In every way we’re troubled, but we aren’t crushed by our troubles. We’re frustrated, but we don’t give up” (2 Corinthians 4:8 God’s Word).

“We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive {everlasting life} at the proper time, if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9 God’s Word).