Obedience is the outward expression of your love for God.
If you have an obedience problem, you have a love problem. It’s more important to understand what God is doing where you are than telling God what you want to do for Him.
Luke 11:28, John 14:15, 1 John 5:3, Micah 6:6-8
Patience: The ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay.
Driving on Costa Rica’s narrow roads. Like sardines, packed in a fifteen-seat tour bus. With my best friend, mother, aunt, four cousins, Abuelita, and six siblings. We were beach-bound. For the duration of this two hour journey, there was an unmistakable, echoing chorus of “Are we there yet?”.
I’ve often heard myself chiming in, asking my seemingly “slow-moving” life the same question. As if knowing how much more there is to go will make the delay go by faster. I’ll openly admit that patience hasn’t ever really been my forte. Those who know me well can attest to this. Somehow, I always manage to think up a million other ways I’d rather spend my time. I believe this is called impatience. Yes, for me, waiting without discontentment is typically a fight.
Anxious to reach the next level. Always anticipating a new season. As if I’m always in between seasons. Not really living here, yet not quite there either. So obsessed with God’s ultimate plan for life that I forget about His plan for today. Overlooking the daily mundane things that could be viewed as potential opportunities to live for Him while showing His glory, power, and love. I ignorantly turn what should be adventure into routine. I mistakenly look at today as the obstacle keeping me from tomorrow.
Sometimes, I catch myself pretending I’ve arrived. Daydreaming; not embracing today for what it is and everything it has to offer. It seems that the more I think I know about the future, the more I want it to happen today. Whether its practical, needed, or simply wishful thinking. I’m sure everyone has a different dream. It could be as simple as the weekend, or as complex as your wedding day. But God doesn’t give us a fast-lane. He desires for us to embrace the journey. Anyone can be passionate about a dream to be obtained, or excited about earning the prize. The getting there, is a different story. This is more difficult.
My vision of the goal at times will complicate the necessary journey in order to obtain it. My impatience trips me up. We all love payday. It’s the actual work leading up to it that seems the be the problem. Through my failed attempts to speed up the process in a frantic search for a magic fast forward button; I’ve learned there is no way to get around the necessity of patience. I’ve learned that understanding what God is doing where you are is more important than telling God what you want to do for Him.
He is patient. I believe Jesus exemplified patience while He was here on earth. Being the son of God, he could have simply snapped his fingers, appeared as a grown man, done his duty and ascended. But even He took the time to grow up. His whole life leading up to the very act that would change the whole world. He didn’t cut any corners. He enjoyed every day, living life to its fullest. He understood the importance of one day, one hour, one minute, one moment. He didn’t hit the fast forward button. Basically, thank God I’m not Him, because I couldn’t have done it.
I suppose that is why patience is a fruit of the spirit. Because there is no way on earth patience is a fruit of the flesh. I don’t find any part of me screaming “yay, I get to wait!” At least not without sarcasm. I need help in order to be patient. I can’t do it alone. Thank God He has made provision. In Him, He empowers me to be still and know that He is at work in my life. In every moment, He is there. He doesn’t desire for me to simply get through my life. Making lists and checking them off; living from one exciting event to the next.
Despite my pretending I do; He doesn’t let me know it all. He wants life to be an adventure, full of unanticipated surprises. Who wants a predictable life anyway? So don’t skip out on today, live it out.
Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces. Matthew 7:6
Growing up, Mr. Martin was my best friend’s dad and I considered him mine as well. Whenever we talked about boys (which was often because we were boy crazy) he always reminded us that we were like pearls. He explained that one day, a man would fight to win our hearts, and that’s how it was supposed to be. He would marry us and only he would be deserving of our whole hearts. If his intentions were pure, he would want to fight and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Because a woman who knows her worth wasn’t easy.
Unfortunately, this typically went in one ear and out the other, because it wasn’t cool and I wasn’t necessarily looking to get hitched that exact moment. But I heard it frequently enough for it to take root in my heart. Looking back, I understand and appreciate his words today more than ever. Although he passed last year and is in heaven, what he taught us girls will remain in our hearts. His daughter is proof of what he instilled in us. An incredible man prayed her in, fought for her heart, and swept her off her feet. Now married, they portray a beautiful visual aid of what True Love Waiting looks like.
Most people today teach us to get what you can, and see how far you can go. I’m not going to sit her and tell you that this-that-and-the-other is wrong, or not to do “it”. Because Christian or not, no matter how great whatever with whomever is outside of marriage, you’ll always feel deep down that you deserve better. And deep down, you’re right. Temporary highs and fleeting passions aren’t enough to make anyone truly content. No matter how good you are at lying to yourself, “there must be more than this” will resound in your head and the fear of settling will echo in your heart. God built us this way. We each have a conscience that won’t be satisfied with phony mockeries of what’s supposed to be very real. No matter how good you think you’ve got it, you’ll always feel empty.
Purity isn’t about what you will or won’t do. It is a state of being. Purity is a byproduct of a satisfied heart. There’s a self value and inner confidence that comes only when you’re fully whole and completely content in Him. Without this, you’re simply saying no out of habit. Or maybe you aren’t saying no at all. But it’s so much easier to walk away when you know your worth. Your true value. If you’re aware of the great price on your life, you won’t waste it on meaningless detours. When you know who you are in Him because of who He’s made you, you won’t ever desire to settle for second best. Because you’re the real deal, and phony is simply not good enough.
So, hold your head high in the arms of Jesus. In Him there are no pasts. He wipes away the hurts and only sees the future in your eyes. Surrender your unspoken expectations. Set your eyes on Him. And, above all else, guard your heart.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6
It seems to me that typically, we don’t expect God to transform or fill us. And we look to things to fill the void because we don’t truly believe that we need Him.
For a few years now, I’ve been praying for my dad whom I haven’t seen since I was sixteen. I felt that if I had a father, I would be complete. His leaving was always my excuse; my reason, to be mad at the world and live however I pleased. Recently, my mom became engaged to an incredible man of God who treats her like a queen and spoils us rotten. Their relationship is a beautiful picture of what true Love looks like. I used to believe that this hole in my heart would be filled when a father figure stepped back into my life.
For the past few weeks, I’ve relied on my environment and circumstances to sustain me. Since I’ve returned from India, it’s been easy living. It’d been so effortless that I began to rely solely on the people and things around me. Yes, it’s absolutely wonderful that everything in life seems to be simplistically drama-free, but it’s been odd. Without battles, I’ve found myself distancing from God. Growing accustomed to coping without Him. As if I only need Him when I’m injured.
Yes, I’ve been spending time with Him. But I’ve also felt empty. Somewhere along the lines of my recently effortless life, I became self-reliant. I assumed since I now had everything I was “supposed” to have, I would be content. This counterfeit confidence lasted a few weeks as I expected my heart to be filled. But, I was wrong. Slowly drifting away, my self-reliance was killing my purpose. I’m discovering that “happy circumstances” don’t equate to feeling whole, satisfied, or fulfilled. In the end, you find yourself coming up short and something still lacks.
I don’t want to share life with God only when it’s too hard for me to handle. I want Him to be with me in everything. I imagine that it wouldn’t be very fun to only take care of your child through the difficulties. The diaper changes, cuts and scrapes, and continuous messes. But, I’m sure payment in the form of sharing their first words, steps, or graduation, is much appreciated. God wants to enjoy life with us. He desires to walk with us hand in hand through the bad and the good. If we look, we will find Him everywhere, in everything.
Nothing on this earth will fill me. No earthly relationship can sustain me. No one but Him. He is the Only Exception. I need Him, even when life feels okay.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. Proverbs 3:5-7
I’m learning to trust. Wholeheartedly. Even when it doesn’t make sense. Recently, I’ve found myself smack dab in the middle of transformation. Growing inwardly, yet not necessarily moving forward or backwards. Just different. I’m simply changing. God is removing old habits and creating new ones. He’s altering my thought patterns and challenging my routines. He’s destroying fear and anxiety and exchanging them with peace. It’s refreshingly fresh. Yes, it’s new, but it’s only just begun.
I’m living with my family for the summer, but I’m fairly familiar with the area. Last week, I opted out of going to the gym and decided to run through the neighborhood for a little more scenery than the typical treadmill. In order to get a good run in, I usually run as far and fast as I can. This way, I have no choice but to finish the distance back. Headphones in, with Cory Asbury and Rick Peno blasting, I started my day right. About forty-five minutes in, I realized I had lost track of time and ended up a few miles from my house. I was running full force in a random direction when out of no where, it started to rain. This wasn’t your typical cute little downpour either. It was the tropical storm kind. The clouds rolled in, there was thunder and lightning and I panicked. I couldn’t see where I was going, and I couldn’t remember where I had been. I had no idea where I was.
So here I was, drenched from head to toe, in hot pink shorts and a yellow tank top. Running nearly blind, in an area which I no longer recognized, doing my best to keep my phone dry. A pathetic sight I’m sure. A few cars stopped out of pity and tried to lend a helping hand, but “stranger danger” was faithfully engraved in my head and kindly reminded me to steer clear. I did eventually find my way home, and thankfully, I didn’t fall on my face in the process.
This somewhat comical experience has reminded me of a few things. Like it says in Proverbs– I can’t be wise in my own eyes. You see, the very environment I knew to be familiar, instantaneously changed and seemed to be entirely different. The tools I formerly leaned on for guidance failed me– miserably. And the atmosphere changed, dramatically. It all happened in one quick motion, and just like that, all confidence in myself was obliterated. I didn’t lack determination; that I had. What I lacked was direction.
Sometimes, it takes an engine failure to realize just how much we’ve relied on a spark plug. You never really think about what you’ve leaned on until it crumbles. It’s funny really. The old song ”you never know what you’ve got til’ its gone” is fairly relative. It always seems to be the little things that fight to ruin my day.Whenever I get a papercut (I seem to get these often at work) I’m always shocked at how suddenly aware I am of my pinky. I never really notice it unless it’s injured. In one way or another, everyone and everything will eventually fail us. But we decide how much the gravity of the failure will affect us. It’s all relative to how closely we’ve trusted or depended on them.
The storms of life test our vision. They reveal to us what we’ve truly set our eyes on. They show us who our heart has clung to. Maybe God allows people, circumstances, or environments to fail us so that we will recognize how reliant on them we truly are. He desires for us to take our eyes off of the counterfeit, remove all false security, and trust in Him. Only Him, above everyone and anything else. Without Him we are running through the storms of life blind without direction. This is no way to live.
So, if you find yourself in a panic, ask yourself; why am I frazzled? He is incapable of stress, anxiety, fear and failure. He is stable. Through the madness, chaos, and confusion. He will not be shaken. Check your eyes– What are they focused on?
Abusive, Addicted, Aggressive, Angry, Anxious, Bipolar, Chemically Unbalanced, Depressed, Disturbed, Restless, Stressed, Overweight, Over-Worked, Sleep Deprived, Suicidal, Unhappy, Unsatisfied, Unstable.
These are just some of the words used to describe our world as we know it. Apparently, life seems to be a bit overwhelming for society at large. Sadly enough, these words hardly do justice to some of the things we’ve witnessed recently throughout popular culture. Due to our overwhelming lifestyles, whether they’re hidden or put on display; emotions seem to be getting the best of us–and it shows.
Why? Death, tragedy, accidents. Haven’t they always been around? My only conclusion is that the way in which we’ve been taught to cope is skewed. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon to figure this one out. We may have been taught how to be successful in life, and how to achieve, but we’ve failed to learn how to take a hit. We learn that one plus two equals three. But when you throw an unexpected variable in the mix, we’re thrown off and fail to react properly.
Emotions are not the issue; they are merely evidence that something is wrong. They are the blood that proves the underlying wound. At times, these wounds will never be realized completely because they’ve been hidden behind a lifestyle of addiction, or emotional imbalance. Emotions are like weeds, they are easily cut off, ignored, trampled, or hidden. But, without addressing the root, they will continue to resurface.
Eventually, after dealing with pain the same way for so long, our coping mechanisms become a part of a character and personality. Almost by default, it looks like this is what’s happened to a lot of hurting people.
We live in the land of the free, the home of the brave, where the “American dream” is tangible. Where everything is accessible, and possibilities are endless. Yet, it seems that suicide is normality, and escapism is the fast-track to an enjoyable life. Some of us were taught to treat the wounds, to rejoice in suffering, and press onward. While others, were taught to cover it up, and cope as the ones before them did.
Our society isn’t taught to rip of the old blanket, and examine the wound. Instead, we’ve adorned our band-aids; decorating them, and making them a mere accessory. We have learned to live with them, and even worse, it’s become popular to show them off. Turning what used to be ugly, into a fad. Emotional pain has been covered up with drugs, sex, alcohol, prescriptions, depression, and recklessness. All to be dubbed as “just what you do” or “common”.
I love learning from Job, if anyone has the right to talk about hardship it’s definitely him. It seems as though Job’s life proves Murphy’s law; “Everything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” The only way I could picture it being worse is if it was it was blasted across the tabloids and national television for society to examine and scrutinize. I wonder what our judgment would have been.
Job was in a place I often find myself in. Confused, frustrated, and wondering what I’ve done wrong to deserve circumstances. It’s sad how easily we embrace blessings, without even a second thought of gratitude, while we immediately reject hardship and calamity; the complaints and blame seem to come easily. If you haven’t read from the book of Job in the Bible, I highly suggest it. Just make sure you get through the whole thing; without God’s sovereignty at the end, it would be a lost cause and an entirely depressing story. Instead of turning to suicide, or indulgences, Job turns to God.
God doesn’t expect us to be perfect, but He does want us to learn to lean on Him. Oftentimes He uses our low points to show us Himself in ways we might not see when life feels okay. Our job is not to miss those growth lessons. No matter what God allows you to experience, He wants to deepen your faith in Him. The journey often carries pain. That’s growth. Don’t waste the pain, but let Him sift and refine your character.
“Your struggles will either reveal ugliness or develop character. Fight Him, and watch ugliness fester. Or lean into Him, and let Him develop godliness in you.” – Erin Keeley Marshall (Currently reading her book =])
I refuse to let my wounds fester while running to my escape of choice. Conflicts, hardships, troubles, and everyday stresses are at times unavoidable, but throughout them, we must choose to draw near to God instead of away from Him. He is the only answer, and the only One with the power and authority to address the real issue; the heart of the problem; the root of emotional pain. He doesn’t run out, give up, leave you, or cause heartache.
My heart will turn to the Lord, and I know He will respond.
Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-”- Psalm 103:1-2
I’ve recently found myself facing MYSELF–who am I? Really? Apart from relationships. Agendas aside and cameras off. What do I like? What’s my “calling?” What’s my communication style? How do I cope? What annoys me? And why on earth am I so indecisive?
I’ll never forget my first identity crisis. It was so blatantly obvious it blew up in my face and triggered a meltdown that took me months to come out of. It was my first semester at CFNI, I had just broken up with my boyfriend and was perfectly content on my own. My best friend, Cara bravely stood by me as I began a three-day saga of finding, choosing and purchasing the perfect new camera. My previous one had broken and I needed a new one. I’m picky, like to spend my money well and don’t settle for cheap. So, it was clear that poor Cara had her work cut out for her.
Sure, you may laugh at this, but to me, it was a big deal. I don’t like to splurge but I’m big on quality “more bang for your buck” kind of purchases. Six stores, a gabazillion price comparisons, one-hundred-something online customer reviews, and three store reps later; I narrowed all of my options down to two cameras; A sleek black one, or a slightly chubbier pink one. Both at the same store: Best Buy had lived up to its name. But I was torn. Here I was, trying to make a decision and I just couldn’t seem to decide. My stubborn indecisiveness refused to take the day off. Discouraged and frustrated with myself, we finally left—without purchasing so much as a camera case.
Three days later, I went back. This time, I was determined to leave the building with a slightly lighter wallet and the perfect camera in hand. I bee-lined it to the camera section but my determination wasn’t enough to cancel out my indecisiveness. I quickly found myself begging a 40-something year old rep to just make the decision for me. Not because his taste was anything like mine (I’m quite sure of this) but because I just didn’t want to be responsible for making the “wrong decision”.
This older man looked me in the eyes and asked a simple, uncomplicated and perfectly ordinary question, “What do you want—why can’t you just pick one?” This question prompted the most painfully transparent answer that shocked even me. I replied, “Because I’ve always had a boyfriend to tell me what I should do because I can’t decide for myself. I just broke up with my boyfriend and now I don’t know what to do. I feel lost.” A flood of tears quickly followed. Here I was, water works on full blast and causing a scene in the middle of Best Buy. Not because I was heartbroken, but because I realized I hadn’t allowed myself to choose independently from anyone else.
I had gone the previous six years always having a boyfriend. They came and went, but I always had someone help me form and direct my “opinions”. My mind immediately began to recall all of the things I thought I “liked”. The Boston Red Sox- for one. Did I even like them? No! I could care less! Steak? I don’t even like steak, as a matter of fact, I hate steak!
Sadness started to diminish as anger began to rise within me. “WHO IN THE WORLD AM I?” was stuck on repeat and screaming in my head. I felt like I had amnesia as I realized that a lot of my personality and preferences had been shaped by those who I had allowed in my life. I was so overwhelmed, the only thing I could settle in my mind was that I loved God, missed my family and dog, and liked pink.
As I’m writing this, one of my good girlfriends recently broke up with her boyfriend of six years. Their relationship was the definition of serious. They had settled down and made a home for themselves, but after a turn of events it was made clear that they were headed in different directions. After their split, she expressed her despair about this new-found identity crisis. “I don’t know who I am, what to do, or how to live. Even the stupidest things get to me. Right down to toilet paper. Extra soft or ultra strong? I feel like I can’t decide anything on my own independent from him.”
What happened to us? How did we get here? How have we allowed others to determine who we were for so long—even after they’re long gone? Where is God in us? How did He originally design and intend for us to be. What are our heart’s deepest desires? Ultimately; who are we and what do we want?
It baffles me how easy it is to pick up a burden that wasn’t ever ours to begin with. I have a favorite pair of tennis shoes. Everyone knows they’re my favorite because, despite my four other pairs, I always wear my white and pink Nike’s. Last week, I was at the gym when my right foot started to fall asleep. My first reaction was to be annoyed with myself. You see, my left foot is 1/4 size bigger than my right foot (yes, I know—it’s embarrassing). I was immediately flustered. My stupid foot! Why couldn’t it have just grown enough to at least match the other? I thought to myself, “over my dead body am I going to solve this little problem by purchasing two different sized tennis shoes.” Not everything is about comfort. I would just suck it up and deal with the pain.
I sat down to loosen my shoe and give my foot some breathing room. Then I realized it. For the past three years, I’ve been putting on, wearing, walking, and running in these shoes. While all this time, the right shoe wasn’t fully laced. After purchasing this preferred pair, I had failed to lace four of the loopholes. They were tied wrong. All wrong. To my dismay, my feet weren’t the issue. As a matter of fact, the problem wasn’t me at all—it was what I was putting on. Instead of examining my footwear, I had mistakenly blamed it on myself.
How many times do we wear, take, or own something that isn’t ours to begin with. We blame ourselves for not being outgoing enough, funny enough, witty enough, extroverted enough, quiet enough, smart enough, pretty enough, articulate enough, educated enough. While all the while, we aren’t meant to take it on. Have we been trying to wear something that’s all wrong to begin with? What, who and where on earth is the real me? The undone, unmasked, untainted Rachel?
To be honest with you, I’m still discovering me. Everyday is an adventure. I have no idea who I am in myself. I find myself in Jesus Christ. Apart from Him I am entirely lost. Aside from His love, I am messed up, severely fragmented and desperately damaged. But He completes me and reveals who I am in Him. I’m confident that I’m growing into the person that He has called me to be. I am by no means perfect, I’m simply striving to be what He had in mind when He created me—And no human being on earth can define that for me. So, take everything other than Him off. He completes me. You can run and tell that.
“There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish.” Philippians 1:6 (The Msg)
The necessary keys in order to reap what you’ve sown.
“And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” -Galatians 6:9
We often hear about both reaping and sowing, but we often overlook the essential steps in between. Galatians 6:9 shows us that we must have persistence, patience, and perseverance in order to reap what we have sown.
I. Persistence
Paul tells to “Not grow weary in well doing”. The Strong’s definition of weary is: “Physically or mentally exhausted after growing impatient or dissatisfied with something.” It’s easy to get frustrated in our day to day seemingly insignificant tasks and activities. But we must remember that no task is unimportant to the Lord. If you’re faithful in the little, He’ll make you ruler over much (Matthew 25:23) Our God is a good book keeper, He is faithful to His word and will honor your diligence!
Today, we look at magnificent structures in Europe with admiration. We look at prestigious works of art which stand alone clothed in their dignity and splendor. We might realize in part how much work and dedication went into the building of the jaw-dropping cathedrals. What we don’t realize is the magnitude of devotion which was required. Cathedrals aren’t like churches, or houses, which can be designed, and obtained within years, or even months. Men who began working on the awe-inspiring cathedrals recognized that they would spend the entire duration of their lives building. Only to accomplish a portion or section of the finished creation. They realized that they themselves were working towards something which their grandchildren might not even live long enough to enjoy. Very rarely, would anyone have the privilege of seeing the cathedral completed. Possibly first started by one of the builder’s grandfathers, each generation devoted their entire life to further its completion; it was a family affair.
As a believer, you must continue in the things that the Lord has called you to, even if you never see the task completed, or receive the credit. You must continue to work even in the day to day activities that can at times seem repetitive and redundant. You must realize that you are only part of the process in God’s grand scheme of things. You see only in part. He is sovereign. We must be worthy of being entrusted with the work He has given us. Even if we don’t think it is significant, or big enough. We aren’t the ones with the vision of the completed cathedral, only He knows what the finished product will look like.
II. Patience
Paul explains that “In due season we shall reap”. This tells us that there are appointed seasons which we must wait for. This verse shows that it’s not enough to simply do the work; patience is required. So, we’ve put for the effort; we’ve tilled the soil, purchased the necessary supplies, and planted the seed. This portion of the passage reminds us, that sometimes it’s not about us, or our actions. It is simply that the environment, circumstances, or “cooking stage” simply isn’t finished. We must learn to “Be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10)
I recently visited the Texas State Fair back in October. I was lost. So, so lost. I was running around trying to find one of the gates to meet up with my friends. I realized that it would be so much easier if I could just find a map. After about 15 minutes of my vigorous search for a pamphlet, I finally found one. I opened it up and immediately began looking for the “You Are Here” circle in bold red ink; because it would be the fastest way to figure out where I was. It took me a few minutes to realize, that it was nowhere on the map. In my impatience, I didn’t realize that it was a handout, unlike the giant maps at the mall or various theme parks. I was so impatient.
These days, it’s so easy to obtain instant gratification. I know you’ve heard it; we live in a microwave oven, elevator instead of stairs, society. We’re used to taking the necessary steps in order to receive the benefits. Bottom line, we don’t like to wait. But, we must remember; You can’t rush the process of a dying seed and a growing plant; you must learn to have patience and wait for the appointed season to reap.
III. Perseverance
Paul didn’t fail to mention that, “We shall reap, if we faint not”. That “IF” is key. You will reap, but only if you don’t faint. Fainting must be averted! We should learn to stay hydrated and persevere through the Word of God. Ephesians 5:26 tells us that the Word of God is like water. It gives us the strength to continue! Water is a necessity! Our bodies are composed of over 60% water. The Word of God must become a part of us in order for us to persevere through His strength! His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9)
There is a legendary race which takes place annually in Canada. It’s known to be so life threatening, that its official name has recently been changed to “The Death Race”. It earned its reputation after hundreds of men passed out along the way. This race isn’t for the faint of heart. The vigorous race’s brave contestants train for months at a time both mentally and physically. After loosing so many men, they installed a “scan in” system, every hundred feet or so that they could keep track of those who were still in the race; and send help to those who weren’t. Nic Southwell was one of the first men who determined that he would make it across the finish line no matter the cost. He refused to pass out. He pushed pass any and all odds, making him the first man to ever make it that far. He passed out across the finish line. This is a beautiful picture of what perseverance looks like. Immediately after collapsing across the finish line, he was rushed to ER, and put in critical condition where both of his kidneys failed, and he ultimately ended up in a coma. Yet, still, he fought to live. After fully recovering, he explained that while he won the race, he could have avoided further complications if he would have stayed better hydrated along the way.
You must persevere; don’t make the race any more difficult by not taking the proper steps to stay hydrated and healthy as a believer through Jesus Christ- He is the source! The “if”, in this verse cannot be overlooked. What good is an athlete who runs faster, jumps higher, swims further, and hits harder—only to pass out, or cheat merely seconds before the finish line. He’s worthless. We must be more stubborn than our circumstances or obstacles. We are in a war with the enemy, and we cannot back down!
The Lord goes before us! He sees the finish line. You can’t fake, cheat, or explain victory. There is no greater feeling than to know that all of your hard earned work finally paid off. No cheating, no shortcuts, no tapping out. Victory is yours—and it’s sweet.
When you race with Persistence, cling to Patience, and embrace Perseverance through the Word of God; You will reap what you’ve sown!
So, Get Yours!!
Press onward, Trust the Process, Embrace the present.
You never know how far, or close, you are from your promise. Longing to go back could be turning a short trip into forty years of misery and discomfort.
Psalm 37:5, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jeremiah 32:27
“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. -Jeremiah 31:3b
I distinctly remember my first crush. Ah preschool; running around in a plaid shirt, coveralls, boots and a cowboy hat– his name was Riker. Throughout the duration of my preschool career, he was the only boy taller than me. From the moment I met him, he instantly caught my eye and I thought he was amazing. Despite the fact that he couldn’t spell, I whole-heartedly cherished his letters. I didn’t care that his mother had to translate over half of them. Reading them now, they honestly look more like finger-painted hieroglyphics. It was at this stage in life that I didn’t care about his spiritual beliefs, personality, calling, family, or background. I was more interested in regular playground activities; playing tag, making mud pies, and jumping rope. And he stood far above the rest when it came to them.
Despite our obvious connection; our relationship was cut short when he moved out of state. For a little while, I still received letters. It was an exciting “pen-pal” kind of relationship. While I’m sure long-distance relationships can work for others, in our case, the letters eventually stopped. I remember this gut-wrenching, heart-breaking reality. He was no longer mine. I seemed to be somewhat of a quiet drama queen- Holding my breath when I was angry, until I passed out. Writing depressing songs that consisted of phrases such as “all it is to you is another heart beating, another person breathing.” Yes, I was a rather odd child, crammed into a glass case of emotion, with no sense of reality, and a peculiar passion for life.
Though I may no longer be attracted to coveralls, care for mud pies, or pass out for attention, some things still remain the same. After talking to some of my girlfriends, I’ve found a few feelings of ownership which we claim to have the right to. I’ve discovered, whether the dumper, or dumpie; we seem to think that the particular boy we are no longer with shouldn’t ever move on. As if, we are God’s special gift to them or something.
We think to ourselves; “Surely, they will never be blessed with another girl as good-or God forbid- better, than us.” For instance, if our best friend gets harshly (or nicely) dumped, we assure her that he has made a mistake. We convince our poor & miserable friend not to worry, that he will never find anyone as talented, beautiful, or caring. After talking to some of my small group girls, I found a few things we had in common. Whether we were responsible for the heartbreaking or not- in both scenarios we were still bitter and confused when they moved on. Over and over in our heads, we think to ourselves- “What, how could he move on just like that, that’s impossible, he’s not actually happy.”
We allow those around us to determine the weight of our self esteems. We build our confidence on people who were never created to define our value. Lets face it ladies, this is a pathetic attempt to justify building our worth on something which should never have been built on to begin with. We have a tendency to immediately compare and evaluate ourselves. Somehow, we weren’t enough; we didn’t cut it. Not pretty enough, not nice enough, not funny enough, not caring enough, not skinny enough, not talented enough, etc…Because if we were, he would be incapable of moving on and thus, he would still be madly in love with us until the day we die. This is painfully pitiful.
Or, maybe you were more like me in another sense; known to have “daddy issues” as a highschooler. I grew up with an abusive father who eventually walked out of my life completely. I lived trying to earn a father’s love and attention which seemed to come so easily for other girls. Growing up, this drastically influenced me to answer the question; “why am I unlovable, and what will make me likeable”. As a girl, this was a dangerous question to wrestle with- especially in our society.
At a young age, I realized that I wasn’t able to get my dad to love me but I could get guys to like me. I grew comfortable with wearing a mask on the outside which displayed an inaccurate picture of a girl whose life was perfect and had it all together. I became the unattainable tease that was never broken up with first. I vowed I would never be hurt again. I went to any length to be assured of it and have my way. Break up first; this was my motto. Unfortunately, just because I broke up first and hurt others, it never made me feel any better- or made life any easier. I was now the one hurting not only myself, but others as well. The fairy tales I read as a child- and my life had absolutely nothing in common.
I remember skipping meals, throwing up, and working out for hours at a time to keep up with models in the industry and the plastic barbies on TV. All this in hopes of being prettier, in order to gain power to get any guy I wanted. But then again, I also remember trying to gain acceptance from my own father. Dancing my heart out in order to receive approval from him. The few times he was able to make it to my performances, it made the 40-hour rehearsal weeks in point shoes worth it all. I was manipulating everything on the outside, in order to fix a deep wound on the inside.
Whether you’ve been hurt, hurt others, both, or are simply human. I believe we all feel the need to belong. We each desire to be wanted. This world shoves diet pills, sex, plastic surgery, and success, in our faces- implying that if we follow their easy step plan for lovability; we’ll be happy. However, at the end of the day, while our attempts at improvements might grow our likeability; true love’s essence is hard to come by. We eventually rationalize that we aren’t like the characters in a storybook. And, somehow, we are to blame for being unlovable.We forget that as humans, we are incapable of loving someone fully, extensively, and exclusively apart from God and His love. Unfortunately, because of our naivety, we still do our best to earn other’s love and approval by any and all means possible.
I believe that true Love doesn’t fade, grow weary, die, or ever give up. This is what it’s supposed to look like. And I believe True Love Himself, died on a cross in order to prove just how long suffering REAL LOVE is; any length, any width, any depth, any height. When we realize just how everlasting HIS love is for us, man’s version of fake and phony love pails in comparison. Cheap imitations aren’t and won’t ever be enough to fill the void. No person, job, fame, weight, hobby, or relationship will ever bring as much fulfillment as acknowledging and accepting His exclusive love. His love doesn’t hinge on our actions. He just simply loves us. Forever. It’s that simple. It’s this simplicity which makes God’s love so hard to understand. Why? Why, does He love us this way? He just does. Because He wants to. And that’s all there is to it.
I was set free when I recognized that He is the only one with the capabilities of this powerful love. It makes sense that others fail me. It is not because of what I am, or am not. It is because we are simply incapable of loving others unless we ask God for His innate ability to love. This agape love is the glue originally designed to hold marriages together. Marriages fail, not because they are supposed to, but because the relationship is most likely founded upon man’s feeble desires and indecisive “feelings”. While man’s heart can be fickle and untrustworthy at times, there is a Love worth absolutely everything in my being. This love chooses by its own will to love me steadfastly, exclusively, and despite any obstacle. When we accept that God is the only one capable of loving, and offering this kind of love—we take our eyes off of ourselves in having to earn love. I choose to rest in His unending, everlasting love that will stand against any and all odds. Who needs likeability when you have True Love?
I hope this has inspired you to embrace the One who will love you more than any one person ever will. Walk in confidence; you are loved with an everlasting love.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. -1 Corinthians 13:4-7
