Here we are at the starting line preparing to run our race...
"For I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength" (Philippians 4:11-13).
These words calm your anxiety and a surge of energy fills your body. You find yourself starting to chant the words from the fans: “You can do this! You can do this!” Suddenly the Holy Spirit interrupts your thoughts and turns your attention to the deep voice of the prophet Zechariah. “‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit’ says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6). Immediately you confess that you were about to take on this race in your own strength, and repentantly you ask the Spirit to fill you with His power and wisdom. Now you are ready. You have been training hard. You still have a long way to go to be as faithful as the saints who are cheering you on, but you are willing to take on this next challenge.
The gun goes off and with every muscle; you push off from the starting block. After you stand up, you begin to pump your arms. You notice a couple of runners ahead of you. Anxiously, you begin to pump your arms even harder, but you forget what your coaches have told you about the proper positioning of your arms. You go back to your old way of running, and you notice other runners begin to pass you. This only causes you even greater anxiety, and you put your head down and push even harder. Your coach, the Holy Spirit, abruptly breaks into your concentration and reminds you of the words of the apostle Paul: “Therefore, I do not run like a man running aimlessly” (1 Corinthians 9:26). You remember the coaching you were given about your posture as you run...
A Moment to reflect:
Has the Holy Spirit ever interrupted your thoughts and shown you that you're running, or trying to run, in your own strength? When this happens, how do you typically respond?
What are some of the old behaviors and ways of thinking that you find you're often tempted to fall back into?
Is there a specific area today that you need to surrender back to the Holy Spirit? Ask Him to search out your heart and show you. When He does, confess this area to the Lord, ask for forgiveness, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you daily surrender this area and mature you. Find some Scriptures that speak to these thoughts/behaviors and meditate on them!
By Sue Corl and Nancy Martin; an excerpt from For Such A Time As This: Walking Through Crisis *A moment to reflect is added for this post.
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