This morning I did my 5 mile run. It was windy and snowy. Did I mention it was snowy? As I ran, or rather jogged along, a flurry of thoughts passed through my brain. Surprisingly, not all of my thoughts were weather related. It occurred to me that running is very much like life.
Ecclesiastes 9:11 reads, " The race is not to the swift." Excellent news as my sprint would be considered another's jog or walk. Here, I am talking about running but also spiritual progress. It takes me a long time to learn a lesson. In fact, I have encountered the same circumstances many a time before changing my stubborn ways, but God is persistent. Psalm 97:10 reminds me, "for he guards the lives of his faithful ones." Notice here, it does not say perfect or swift; it says faithful.
As the snow blew in my face, I thought about the difficulties that come up in all our lives. Job loss, illness, separation and discord are scattered across our paths. When these things happen, where does help come from? "I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip; he who watches over you will not slumber;" (Psalm 121:1-3) If I really integrate this belief into my being, I will not have cause for anxiety. The LORD does not sleep and He watches over me. However, this does NOT mean we will be free from suffering and trials.
In fact in James 1:2-4 we learn that God sees trials as purposeful. "Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not -lacking anything." If I am honest, I would tell you that I have learned more over the last year and a half than I have in any other time in my life. So much in fact, that I now see my challenges as teachers. Believe me, I would not have said this before. I now understand some of the things that God has been working on all along.
When you run a half marathon, you have to do the training to be successful. Spirit training demands the same diligence. As I shuffled up the big hill (twice) today, I thought about the last year. My challenges are like that steep, imposing hill, painful to go through, but great when you get to the top. Isaiah 40:31 offers encouragement: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run but not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I believe this is true and I am glad that His blessing also covers walking. I may be doing some walking during my half-marathon, but I am grateful for good health. A year ago I could not walk a mile without sitting down. 1 Corinthians 12:4 says, there are different gifts but the same spirit. Who knows, maybe one of my gifts is perseverance? Be blessed.
 |
| Being swift is good, but Ninjas must also be persistent. |
As the snow blew in my face, I thought about the difficulties that come up in all our lives. Job loss, illness, separation and discord are scattered across our paths. When these things happen, where does help come from? "I lift my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip; he who watches over you will not slumber;" (Psalm 121:1-3) If I really integrate this belief into my being, I will not have cause for anxiety. The LORD does not sleep and He watches over me. However, this does NOT mean we will be free from suffering and trials.
In fact in James 1:2-4 we learn that God sees trials as purposeful. "Consider it a pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not -lacking anything." If I am honest, I would tell you that I have learned more over the last year and a half than I have in any other time in my life. So much in fact, that I now see my challenges as teachers. Believe me, I would not have said this before. I now understand some of the things that God has been working on all along.
When you run a half marathon, you have to do the training to be successful. Spirit training demands the same diligence. As I shuffled up the big hill (twice) today, I thought about the last year. My challenges are like that steep, imposing hill, painful to go through, but great when you get to the top. Isaiah 40:31 offers encouragement: "But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run but not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
I believe this is true and I am glad that His blessing also covers walking. I may be doing some walking during my half-marathon, but I am grateful for good health. A year ago I could not walk a mile without sitting down. 1 Corinthians 12:4 says, there are different gifts but the same spirit. Who knows, maybe one of my gifts is perseverance? Be blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment