Sometimes we can find encouragement in odd places. Such was this morning while reading through Matthew's Gospel. We can look around us and see all the things that are sick and ailing but do we really grasp who is in control? We have been forewarned of the things we see and even told that they would get worse not better. So we ought not be surprised by the chaos that ensues around us. Instead we ought take earnest heed of the things that we have heard so that we will not drift away (Hebrews 2:1 paraphrase mine). The word used here in Hebrew for "listen carefully," "pay closer attention," or "give earnest heed" is prosecho which in a nautical sense means to set your course and follow it. Why? Because those who endure to the end will be saved! The course we set then ought to be that of the Gospel praying that the Lord would be full in our hearts so that we may see the many eternal appointments He brings our way. I am always awestruck that the Lord of Glory would give such an eternally important responsibility to such flawed and frail being such as me. But then I am reminded that in my weakness He is strong and His Glory much revealed. His Grace is truly sufficient for my every need. We oftentimes look at others and see God's faithfulness even in the midst of great suffering. We say to ourselves, "I could never endure such trials!" Yet God is faithful! We have the Grace required for our day and the precious promised Sabbath Rest revealed. That is why it is so important to follow the course He has set! He is the Way so we ought not to get caught up on the by-ways (Jeremiah) of this life but cling to the Ancient Way!