Running Your Race on Cold Windy Days預覽

The first step in clearing the blahs is to recognize and confess them in open and honest conversation with our Father. He already knows, of course, He knows, He has either sent them or allowed them, intentionally bringing us a season of testing, conviction, or trial. No one lives life in Christ on the mountaintop continuously. And hoping for that sets us up for unreal and unfulfilled expectations and, eventually, an ugly crash. Our lives and the race set before us are more like hiking the Appalachian Trail than running along the regular oval track.

In our race, there will be ups and downs, sunshiny days and rain, perhaps storms, beautiful scenery, tough climbs, and smooth downgrades as we hike along the “narrow path.” We might even have to backtrack a bit at times to go higher. But, no matter where we are along the path, Romans 8:28 is ALWAYS true and our loving Father in heaven is working ALL of it for our good as Christ's followers.

Our Father wants us to love and praise Him on sunny days at the shore and also as we hike a dry and dusty desert trek. He wants us to stay as close to Him when we can’t feel or even sense His presence as when we get goosebumps and tear up at the very thought of who He is and what He has done for us. He never changes or loves us more or less but is constantly training and nurturing us in faith. It is a victory for us to say to Him, “Father I don’t care how it feels or what is going on. I don’t understand, and right now I feel lost, but I love You with all my heart and soul, and I trust You as the One WHO WILL carry me through this season. Fill me with Your Spirit Lord and lead me in Jesus’ Name and to His glory!”

So, as soon as we recognize that sense of dustiness in our relationship we start to end it by confessing it and crying out to Him in faith. Faith doesn’t depend on feelings, it is greater than and beyond our emotions. Faith is trust without proof or even evidence. We can thank God for who He is and what He has done for us no matter how we feel about our circumstances, they will change, God won’t ever change, and the only way He can help us understand that is by testing us. Start to bring a season of refreshment by confessing to our Dearest One that you need it. Read through the Psalms, we aren’t alone, not the first or the last to cry out in need of refreshment. What do you think? Comments? (Psalm 22)