As the years have pasted the 4:00 hour has been filled with homework, getting supper, phone calls, work, and driving the girls to their activities. I have to laugh because I remember my mom saying, "When you have kids pulling on your apron strings......" Being young and nieve, I remember thinking, "Right, I will always make it a priority."
To have the wisdom of those who have gone before you!
Occasionally though, I still get the chance and I was able to do so this week. With the recent time change, leaving at 4:30 it was quickly getting dark and there was a heavy, dense flog setting in. I chose to run a trial that I frequent, so I would know the terrain and with my Ipod tuned onto my favorite play list I was off.
It was cool and the heavy fog, made for a damp mist. As I neared the 2 mile mark and was ready to head back, it was becoming darker and even more foggy. Most of the time, I was only able to see just a few feet in front of me. It amazes me that I always run better when I can't see too far ahead. I believe that it is because I can focus on one step at a time and not get defeated looking to see how much more I have left to go.
As I was running, I began thinking that faith is really only being able to see just a few steps ahead.
Hebrews 11:1 gives the definition of faith as being sure of what we hope for and CERTAIN of what we DO NOT SEE!
Sometimes when I set out for a run it seems overwhelming. I am tired. I just don't feel like doing it. I just don't have the time.
I know that it is best for my physical and mental health. I know that I will feel great when it's over. However going through the process is sometimes painful. At times I question if I can make it another mile. That is when I focus on just taking one step and then another and before I know it I have made it to the end of the trail.
In my entry way hanging on the wall are the words; HOPE and FAITH. It reminds me of being sure of what we HOPE for and CERTAIN (faith) of what we DO NOT SEE!
Our walk with Christ is just the same.
How many times do we ask ourselves how will I ever make it through? How will the bills get paid this month? How will I ever know the right things to say in a difficult situation? How will I get through the loss of a significant relationship in my life? How will I___________? You fill in the blank.
When we focus on managing the BIG stuff in life. When we think we can do it all ourselves. When we try to run the show. We fail miserably over and over again. God is there to handle the BIG and the little stuff. It is our responsibility to TRUST and just keep taking one step at a time. We can't always see the end of the trail, but what we can see is a few feet ahead. When we take those steps, He helps us see a little bit farther. Our job is to be obedient and diligent in our walk. To show up everyday when we don't feel like it and when our designated hour gets filled with all of life's stuff, we carve out another time to grow in our relationship.
So the next time you get tired and just want to throw up your hands. Remember the trail and the dense fog and remember that it is OK. You just have to keep taking one more step and then another and each time you will be able to see a little bit farther.
As I finished up my run that foggy, cool night my play list was finishing up with Lincoln Brewster's, 'Everlasting God'. As my stride fell to the beat of the music and the dampness of the fog was moist on my face, I smiled knowing I was almost done.
I knew that my Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of His understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even muse will become weak and tired and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who TRUST in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Jill
Amen, amen, amen!
ReplyDelete