I
started running in high school as a stress relief. Nothing formal, just some shoes
and myself . Running gave me freedom and distance from problems. A little bit
of my own reality and peace to mix in with the chaos of my home life.
These
days, I find running helps to keep myself in balance and disciplined to know
God better, as he is constantly guiding my steps. He has shown me that running
to him is always the answer, even though some days it seems so much easier to
run away. Run away from the daily grind. From diapers and sippy cups and messes
and whining and disciplining. Run away
from the biggest blessings God has given me.
I truly believe that your biggest blessings can be your biggest
trials, as well. What
that looks like to you may be different. Perhaps your dream job has become a
nightmare with more hours being logged than you anticipated. Or your knight in
shining armor has become more of a frog. Or your much prayed for child has been
more than you feel you can handle. Or your lack of a child at this time in life. Whatever it is, I pray that you would run to
God with it. He already knows what you need before you ask (Matt 6:8) and wants all of you, even the messy parts.
I
pray that you would seek God to reopen your eyes to the blessings of it all. I
pray that you would be transformed by the renewing of your mind in the
situation that may seem hopeless (Romans 12:2). I pray that you would learn
from your situation the lessons that only God can teach from it.
Consider it 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. James 1:2-4
I pray that you would see the joy in the midst of the storms and that you would not give up. That you would be able to share your trials with others because
that is what community is for (Galations 6:2). I pray that your trial would be an
example of your faith to others and encouragement to those going through the
same thing.
Forever Reign by Hillsong is constantly playing in my head as I jog, along
with prayers for the neighborhood, family and friends and you. Have a listen.
I’m running to Your arms, the riches of Your love will always be enoughnothing compares to Your embrace, light of the world, forever reign.
Here's to trials and running to God. Here's to perseverance and incomprehensible joy through it all.