Staying the Course

"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the the throne of God."  Heb 12:1-2

Running has never been my thing.  I can begin with full intention of running all the way to the finish line.  About half-way (sometimes even before) my body begins to cry out--"stop, stop. What do you think you're doing!  You're not meant to run.  You're out of breath and your muscles are hurting.  What about those knees? Better watch out, you're going to fall!"

My race to eternity is the same way.  I run toward the finish line trying to stay on course, trying to jump over or go around the obstacles I find on my path. Sometime those obstacles are there because of my own stubborn will or my disobedience.  I desire to endure instead of listening to the voices of those who discourage me and those within me that say just do what you want to do. 

Temptations try to draw me from the path to places that appear to be either a short cut to the end or a place of rest neither of which are part of the race or the proper path that God has prepared for me.  When I focus on the path or on the next step I often miss the blessings of the beauty around me. 

Luckily, I have a personal trainer-a guide by the name of Jesus.  He is not only my guide but my destination as well.  I must fix my eyes upon Him.  He will bring me to the finish line to guide me to heaven where my race will be over.  I will cross the finish line and I will receive the prize of eternal life.

God's Answers

 God's Answers     A poem by an unknown Confederate Soldier:

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be wise. 

I asked for power that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for.

But everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;

I am among all people, most richly blessed.

The Day the Lord Has Made

 Psalms 118:24 "This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

"Today is unique! It has never occurred before and it will never be repeated.  At midnight it will end, quietly, suddenly, totally.  Forever.  But the hours between now and then are opportunities with eternal possibilities."  Charles R. Swindoll

Trudging Ahead

We were expecting our second grandson to make his appearance any day.  My first born grandson was so excited about the coming event that the anticipation was almost more than a two year old could bear.  As the blessed event drew closer and closer, every day he would ask, "Is it time yet?  Is it time to go get my baby brother?"

The day before his arrival my grandson and my daughter were at my house for a short visit.  Over and over, my grandson kept asking "Is it time yet?  Is it time to go get my baby brother?" My daughter knowing that the next day was when the new baby would arrive, she said, "Yes, it's time."

Excitedly, he grabbed the baby stroller and headed down my driveway.  Usually, he only went a short distance down the drive and then turned around and came back.  Not this day.  He kept going further and further.  When I realized that he was not going to turn around, I ran after him.  I asked him where he was headed and he replied firmly, "I'm going to get my baby brother!"  There was no persuading him for he was determined to reach his final destination and retrieve his brother.

We reached the top of the hill with stroller full speed ahead and because the road and danger was a short distance ahead, I picked him up in my arms and turned around headed back to the house.  His little heart was broken and he cried and cried.   In his reasoning, the baby brother he wanted was now out of reach and as far as he knew that was his last hope.

As I reflected on this experience, I thought about how determined we are to head toward the way we think best in order to make our desires become a reality.  We trudge toward the end thinking we will get what we want regardless of the personal cost.  Often the Lord waits for us to turn around on our own and when that doesn't happen, He picks us up and delivers us from the unrecognizable danger.  We cry and cry with broken hearts because we can't have what we so desperately wanted.  The God of the universe in His infinite wisdom gives us exactly what we need according to His plan and in the way that brings Him glory.  He provides exactly what we need the moment we need it. 

God's Care for Us

  

Psalm 89:9 You rule over the surging sea; when it waves mount up, you still them.

Unfailing Love

Psalm 36:5-7 (NIV) Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.  Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.  O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.  How priceless is your unfailing love!

Be Still

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)  "Be still, and know that I am God;  I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."