Trailblazer

By Elin Henderson

“Righteousness will go before Him, and shall make His footsteps our  pathway.”

Psalm 85:13 (NKJV)

When I was a little girl living in New England, each winter my dad would drag us out on the annual Christmas tree hunt. He wasn’t the type that went in for those “lots” where the trees are all cut and come with a little stand. Not Him! We would have to trek through the winter wonderland, deep into the woods, to find the perfect tree. This often meant wading through deep fields of snow. My dad would go first and blaze the trail and we would all follow along. He did the main work and we just toddled along behind.

The trailblazer is the one who does most of the work. He selects the path and prepares the way, clearing out obstacles so that those who are following behind will not be overwhelmed. There are always remaining obstacles, but the ones he leaves are the ones he knows the followers can handle. The job of the follower is to follow the lead and keep to the pathway that the trailblazer has marked out. If the followers try to venture off on their own, they will find the going pretty tough. However, if they are content to follow the trailblazer and keep stepping where he steps, the journey becomes do-able.

In the same way that I would stick right behind my dad as we wandered through the snow, stepping where he stepped and keeping my eyes on him, so also I need stick right behind God, the great Trailblazer of our lives. He knows what lies before us and will do the hard work of deciding on the right path. Sometimes, there are bends in the path where we might lose sight of Him, but He is always there, a few steps ahead, making the way clear and beckoning us to follow. 

So whether our life journey takes us through the harshest wilderness, the thickest forests, the deepest snowbanks, or the driest deserts, our Trailblazer always goes before us making the path passable.  Our job is to walk in His footsteps and stick on His pathway!

                  

GOING DEEPER:

1. How does knowing that God is our Trailblazer help us as we come upon what we would perceive as obstacles along the way? What about when the trail goes into areas we would prefer to avoid? 

                                                           

FURTHER READING:

Psalm 77:19; Psalm 17:5; Psalm 16:11

Oakwood’s missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa.  Elin is mother to seventeen-year-old Callie and fourteen-year-old Elias. 

Loving Others

By Tracy Smith

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

A few years ago, while on Facebook, I came across a video about a middle school football team who plotted and planned to help one of their teammates score a touchdown. [1] This teammate had special needs. In some schools, he may have been the object of bullying - - and maybe this boy had been in the past, or is dealing with bullies in other areas of school - - but not on his football team. These friends cared enough about him to plan something so amazing for him.

The plan went like this: His teammates got the ball as close to the goal line as possible. In the next play, they gave him the ball and surrounded him to protect him from the defense and ran with him across the goal line. TOUCHDOWN!

As touching as that was, it was the interviews with the boys on the team that brought tears to my eyes. One boy had tears tracking down his cheeks because he had not thought of the plan. He talked about how he had changed from someone who only cared about himself to someone who cared about everyone. What a life-changing lesson these young men learned!

The Lord wants us to care about everyone  - - not just those we see as “popular” or who are worth our caring. He also wants us to care for others  - - not just when it’s easy, but even when it’s hard. Philippians 2:4 tells us to intentionally look to the interests of others. In John 13:34-35 (NIV), Jesus says, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Jesus wants us to be known by how we love.

May we be like the young men in this school. May we be those who are kind and care about everyone; who love.

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Is there someone in your life who could use some encouragement? If so, what can you do to make him or her feel special?

FURTHER READING:

Micah 6:8; Romans 15:1-3

Along with being a wife and mother to two teenage sons, Tracy is a ministry assistant at Oakwood and works with a great group of Junior High girls.

[1] Want to see this inspiring story? Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ie1-vmpamg

Soil Testing

By Lisa Boyer

“Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop - - a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Matthew 13:8-9 (NIV)

It’s spring and my work place will soon be receiving calls from people looking for information on soil testing. They’ll collect a soil sample from their garden and ship it off to be tested. A few weeks later, they’ll get the results and a recommended treatment plan. If they properly prepare their soil, they can expect a good harvest.

The thought of soil testing has had me pondering the “The Parable of the Sower” in Matthew 13.

As you may recall, the seed falls on four types of soil: the path (hard soil), the rocky places with shallow soil, the soil containing thorns, and the good soil. Jesus explains the Parable in Matthew 13:18b-23 “When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Jesus wants everyone to understand and receive His message, so maybe part of the point He was making in the “The Parable of the Sower” is actually a warning about the condition of the soil. Life is a difficult journey and any number of things can damage the heart (soil). Maybe Jesus was pointing out that the soil (the heart) needs to be properly prepared to receive the seed (the message) before we sow it.

Isn’t that what Jesus did while He was here on Earth? Wasn’t He nurturing the hurting hearts of those around Him with love and compassion and healing? Jesus’ second greatest commandment, just like the first, is about love… and perhaps soil preparation and maintenance.

Before sharing the message with those around us, let’s take a moment to test the soil; then let’s prepare the soil… with love.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Have you been wanting to share what you know about Jesus with a friend? Today, ask God how you can nurture them in preparation for that, knowing that ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who changes hearts.

FURTHER READING:

Matthew 13:3-8; Matthew 22:36-38

Lisa is married to Ted and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves as an event photographer at Oakwood and wherever else she is needed. 

Doers of the Word
By Sarah Walker

“…be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James 1:22 (NIV)

My husband and I had given our two-year-old son a simple direction at lunchtime: Eat the chicken that is on your plate. Rather than following our instructions, he proceeded to interrogate us. He pointed to the meat on his plate.

“This chicken?”

“Yes, that is the chicken you need to eat.”

“Rest of chicken there?”

He pointed to the container where the rest of the chicken was. This was shortly followed by his informing us that the container was where we had gotten the chicken on his plate, and then noting that the container had previously been in the refrigerator.

Upon the conclusion of his assessment, we instructed him once again to eat his chicken. Rather than being satisfied with understanding the origins of his lunch, he next remarked that his brother had chicken on his plate, as well. This was followed by an analysis of the temperature of the chicken (it was cold) and a sensory exam to feel the chicken. We proceeded to tell him that we didn’t care where the chicken came from, who else had it, or what it felt like. We cared about his following our instructions and actually eating the piece of meat.

As comical as this real-life story is, I can’t help but wonder how often we do this to God. How often has God given us something to do, and rather than doing it, we talk about it or do something else that is related to what God has told us to do… but we don’t ever actually do the main instruction?

The sole purpose of the Bible is not to be read, studied or even memorized. Those are all good things to do and will indeed be of great aid to us in our daily walk with Jesus. But that is not the primary goal of the Bible. The Bible contains God’s instructions for living. We are asked to read the Bible, not for the sake of reciting it or adding to our head knowledge, but we are to read it in order to be transformed by it and then to live our lives according to the instructions found in it. We are meant to read the Bible in order to learn the ways of God, but we need to apply - - or follow - - these instructions in our daily lives.

Go ahead and eat!

GOING DEEPER:
1.  How are you using the Bible?
2.  Is there something God is asking you to do that you need to put into action? If so, do it.

FURTHER READING:
Romans 2:12-13, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, James 1:22-27

Sarah is married to Scott and is a full-time mom to their two young sons. She and Scott are involved in a small group focused on prayer.

Kindred Spirits

By Becci J. Terrill

“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Romans 8:16 (NIV)

If you’ve read the book or seen the movie Anne of Green Gables,  you are familiar with the term “kindred spirit.” Finding a “kindred spirit” was very important to Anne. [1]

The term “kindred spirit” means “somebody who resembles somebody else in character, interests and temperament.” [2] Have you ever come across someone like this? If you have, you know how special they are. You make a connection instantly and have so much in common. You enjoy each other’s company and no matter the distance or time lapse between visits, you can always make that bond.

I have been blessed with many “kindred spirits” during my life: women who were older than I, as well as those who were younger. There is no age requirement for a kindred spirit. That’s what makes these individuals so special.

Recently, one of my “kindred spirits” retired after a lifetime of service. I remembered meeting her for the first time and the instant connection that we made. Over the years, our relationship has deepened and the feelings that sprang up in those first moments have proven true again and again. I’m grateful for the impact that she has had on my life.

I met with another “kindred spirit” who is at the beginning of her life journey, yet she has much to share that I can learn. Still another “kindred spirit” and I shared stories of our journey as moms, wives, women and leaders.

I wonder if this is similar to what it’s like when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in our lives. We know there is something different the moment we accept Jesus as our Savior - -  His Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. We learn to hear His voice and listen to the promptings that come from Scripture, a song or nature. It’s not something that can be easily described, YET we know - - just as we do when we meet a “kindred spirit” - - there is something special with this relationship. It is unlike any other.

If you, like Anne of Green Gables are searching for a “kindred spirit,” I encourage you to read the Book of John. Jesus can’t wait to meet you! He will be a best friend that will never let you down. Find a “kindred Spirit” in Him.

GOING DEEPER:

1. Read Spirit Rising: Tapping into the Power of the Holy Spirit  by Jim Cymbala or Forgotten God  by Francis Chan.

FURTHER READING:

1 John 4:7-11; Proverbs 27:17;

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church. 

[1] For fun, read or watch Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maude Montgomery. Anne’s adventures are sure to make you smile.

[2] Encarta Dictionary: English (North America)

“Making the Right Choice”

By Jeannine Sawall

“There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

Proverbs 14:12 (NIV)

So much is written about hope, about change, and the many promises we receive as believers. We can find devotionals filled with writings about suffering and desperation, relationships and marriage, children and even pets. We can find devotionals relating to hobbies, sports and friendships.  But there are few, if any, devotional books that cover sin and the responsibility of personal choice. Those books would probably be found at the half-price bookstore in the dollar bin! When it comes to sin, we don’t want to be reminded that we had a choice in the matter. That we are the ones who decided to head our own way and do our own thing. That we are the ones who said “yes,” when we should have said “no.”

We can find countless examples of biblical heroes who suffered the consequences of going their own way. Abraham and Sarah, David, Sampson, Jacob and Rachel. Each of these people made a choice to take a path independent of God. Each of them focused on his or her own way. Each of them decided his or her way was better than God’s way. Each of them had to pay the cost of that choice.

Any time our focus moves from looking for God and fixates on “me,” we can be sure we are going to make choices that take us down the path of disappointment and destruction. Any time we make demands of God or tell Him what He must do, we can be certain we will be heading in the wrong direction. Any time we make a choice without involving God in the decision-making process, we can be certain we are heading toward disaster. It’s a pretty straightforward equation, even if it’s not a popular equation. Choices made without alignment with God and His ways bring us into sin. 

Our choices have consequences. When we forge ahead and make those choices independently, we can’t look back in regret and ask God, “Where were you?” or, “Why did you allow this to happen?” We need to realize we have left God behind and take responsibility for our sin. However, in that next moment, we can confess our sin and be reconciled by the grace of God. The lesson is to then make sure that the next time we are faced with a choice, we invite God to be a part of the decision-making process.

Seeking God in all things is always the right choice!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What choices are you making where you need to stop and invite the Lord to be a part of them?

FURTHER READING:

Proverbs 3:7; Proverbs 21:2

Jeannine is a wife and mother of four great boys. She works in the property management business. Jeannine serves in several behind-the-scenes ministries at Oakwood and has a heart for those who are grieving.

Too Busy To…

By Susan Klein

“…and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Luke 10:27b (NIV)

Recently, a mass shooting at a Florida school rocked the nation. Statistics from the Gun Violence Archive show that in the past four years, there have been 239 school shootings, 16 of them considered mass shootings. [1] I was shocked to hear how high the numbers were.

Like many people, I fear I am becoming numbed, to a certain degree, to the violence around me. I tend to not watch the news, fearing reports of more stories about lives taken unnecessarily. I want to hide from the evil realities that exist. But that isn’t always possible, nor is it helpful.

In this last shooting, the teenage gunman had a troubled past. He lost his father when he was young, and his mother last year. According to CNN reports, neighbors revealed there was “something not right about him,” and that he had been “weird” and “crazy” most of his life. Police were often seen in his driveway and troubles at school resulted in expulsion. In jail, he was placed on suicide watch. This young man obviously had some deep-rooted problems.

While not condoning violence, in these situations, I often wonder what triggered the actions? If people (reportedly) witnessed odd behavior, did they ever try to reach out? Did anyone make an effort to get the young man help? (I know that in this situation, a number of educators and his mom tried.) In many crimes, the perpetrator is reported to be seemingly “normal” by those who know him/her. Not this time. People who knew this guy saw that he had problems from early on.

Have we become too busy in our culture to notice? If we do notice, are we too busy living our own lives to make any efforts at reaching out? I know I’ve been guilty. Years ago, a troubled teen lived right next door to me. While I wasn’t too busy to notice the cars of loud kids pulling up at all hours, I made no attempt to reach out to him. I even justified my actions by convincing myself that he wouldn’t want a meddling neighbor butting in. Besides, I had “other things on my plate” to deal with. One afternoon the Lord convicted me otherwise.

I had just pulled a batch of cookies from the oven when the loud cars started arriving next door. I put a couple dozen on a plate and walked over. Not making a big deal out of it, I just said, “Thought you might like some cookies.”

A door was opened.

More interaction ensued.

Let’s not be too busy to…

GOING DEEPER:

1. Might there be someone in your sphere of influence that is going unnoticed? What simple steps can you take to reach out?

FURTHER READING:

John 21:16; Galatians 6:2,10; Luke 10:30-37

Susan is married to Mark, and co-leads an in-home small group. She serves as a mentor to young women, and is a member of Oakwood’s Peace Team, helping people work through conflict.

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/02/15/us/school-shootings-sandy-hook-parkland.html

Why Re-Write It?

By Lisa Boyer

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

John 8:10-11 (NIV)

I love listening to the words of songs by some of the amazing Christian artists of today (and yesterday)! Last week as I traveled home from visiting my mom, I had MercyMe’s Hurt and the Healer  CD playing. When track number four started, I found myself thinking about what an important message the song had and how much I would love to remind everyone of this message. Being that I’m not a singer, the only way I can convey the message of a song is by writing a devotional about it. But why re-write the song into a devotional when the song says it all:   

“To whom it may concern:  when will we learn we are all the same? Do you really think that you're the first to fall along the way? It may sound crazy but what if you don't try to run. Rather than kick our wounded, we could just lift you up….

I can see it's written on your face, it reads with every line, wishing you could somehow just erase or even turn back time. Don't let yourself buy into the lie that you are too far gone. So let us remind you that you're not what you have done.

… We're not throwing stones… You are not your shame… You can't go alone… We won't go away….

Breathe deep and believe that wherever you go, it don't matter how high, don't matter how low, it comes down to being found and Who you know….”

Did you catch that?

• we are all the same (Romans 3:22-23)
• don’t buy into the lie that you’re too far gone (Luke 19:10)
• you’re not what you have done (I Timothy 2:9)
• you are not your shame (Colossians 1:13-14)
• it comes down to being found and Who you know (Ezekiel 34:12, Philippians 3:8-9)

Wow. What else is there to say? Nothing! Okay, maybe just this: “Breathe deep and believe that wherever you go, it don't matter how high, don't matter how low, it comes down to being found and Who [Jesus] you know.” [1]

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you been struggling with shame over your past? Jesus paid for it on the cross. Today will you meet with Him in prayer so you that can be found and know Him?

2.  Is there someone in your life that needs to be reminded of this? Will you forward this devotional to them and then pray for them, being sensitive to how God may want you to help.

Lisa has been married to Ted for 23 years and they have two sons in college. Lisa serves in Quest 56 on Sunday mornings at Oakwood.

[1] Mercy Me: “To Whom It May Concern.” Fair Trade Services , 2012. Want to listen to this song? Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CoJN1IXuSk

No, We’re Not There Yet

By Carolyn Hulliberger

“…I am making everything new!”

Revelation 21:5b (NIV)

The day had been long, as family funerals normally are. My husband’s grandmother had died, and our family had gathered for the visitation. The time for a dinner break had come and as I began to get my then-infant son ready to go to the restaurant, my three-year-old daughter became visibly upset. 

“Mommy, we can’t leave!” she cried.

“But it’s time to go eat,” I rationalized.

“No, we CAN’T LEAVE!!”

“But everyone is headed out now. Why can’t we leave?” was my answer.

“We can’t leave HEAVEN!! Great-grandma is in heaven and she’s right OVER THERE!! We can’t leave!”

I chuckle now, but explaining to a three-year-old that the part of Great-grandma that smiled, hugged, and told her stories was in heaven with Jesus…and the part she could see stayed here…well, that was a little tricky.

Jesus told us that there is another place, one where His followers will live eternally. In John 13:36 (NIV), Jesus says, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” He then states, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

And when His apostles asked how to get to this place, Jesus instructed, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

In the book of Revelation, we learn that there is a time and a place where “…the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them…He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:3-4).

Think on this just a moment…belief in Christ…eternally living with God…a whole new order to our world…where pain is obsolete…

Even without the amazing details described in the rest of Revelation, being in the same place as Jesus is a place that I long to rest in. And even a three-year-old can grasp that once we get to be with Him in heaven and His New Kingdom, we’ll never, ever want to leave!

GOING DEEPER:

1.  Have you come to see Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life?  If not, what is holding you back?

2.  Enjoy a quiet time today, concentrating on what it will feel like to arrive at the believer’s final destination: in the presence of God Himself…forever.

FURTHER READING:

1 Corinthians 15:55-57; Isaiah 25:8-9

Along with caring for her family, Carolyn works as an insurance representative and serves in Oakwood Church as a Community Group leader.

The Coach

by Becci Terrill

“The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The Father will send Him in My place.
He will teach you everything and help you remember everything I have told you.”

John 14:26 (NLV)

I recently had the opportunity to learn a new sport: curling. I knew nothing about this game, so I listened closely to the instructors as they explained what each piece of equipment was and demonstrated how they were to be used.

The hard part came when I had to actually DO what the instructor said. I got down on the ice, put one foot on the “slider shoe” and the other on the push off spot. I took hold of the stone in one hand and balanced myself on the stand with the other. Then I froze. Now what?

Thankfully, Neil, my coach, was right by my side. He spoke calmly and clearly, instructing me and showing me just what to do with my legs and my hands  - - how to push off, slide, and when to let go of the stone.

It wasn’t pretty, but I did it. And as Neil continued to coach me through each part of the action, each time became better. He corrected me, complimented me and gave me confidence.

As I reflected on my experience, I was reminded of another “coach” in my life - - One who never leaves me.  He is constantly available to guide, correct and give me the courage and confidence that I need every moment.

During His ministry, Jesus trained and taught His disciples, so they could continue His work after He had gone back to heaven. He knew they would have hard times and difficulty remembering what He had taught them, so He promised to send a “Helper” - -  a coach  - - who would help them and teach them every second.

Thankfully, the gift of the Holy Spirit wasn’t only for Jesus’ twelve apostles, but for ALL who believe in Jesus. I’m so glad that Jesus understood how much I would need His presence and guidance in my life!

Just as Neil helped me understand and participate in the sport of curling, the Holy Spirit speaks to me each day, teaching me and showing me what Jesus wants me to do. If I don’t listen, or if I ignore what He says, the results aren’t good. Thankfully, He is patient and forgiving and always wants what is best for me.

By the way, I may never go curling again…but if I do, I definitely want my coach by my side telling me what to do!   

GOING DEEPER:

1. Listen to Aaron Shust’s song, “Watch Over Me” for another reminder of God’s presence.
2. Don’t know much about the Holy Spirit and His work in the lives of believers? I recommend reading Forgotten God  by Francis Chan.

FURTHER READING:

            Luke 12:11-12; John 14:15-19, 25-27; John 16:7-15

Becci Terrill is a wife and mom to two adult daughters. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Oakwood Church. 

Choosing to Persevere (Part two)

By Karen D’Amore

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be

mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:4 (NIV)

I had monitored the daunting sub-zero forecast for days, so I had full disclosure as to the obstacles I’d be encountering. Similarly, the prepaid race fee wasn’t a steep enough investment to influence my withdrawal from the race, either. Although I’m not generally a New Year’s resolution embracer, there was something significant about this New Year’s Day event that was impelling me to complete the race, in spite of the miserable forecast. Choosing  to tackle the forecasted obstacles was spurred by the desire to launch the new year, challenging myself to be stretched beyond my comfort zone.

(Recalling this impactful, anonymous quote on a coffee mug also influenced my decision: Perseverance…The greater the obstacle, the greater the glory in overcoming it!)  

As chronicled in yesterday’s devotional Him-Powering Perseverance, the anticipated dreadful race conditions were more challenging than I could’ve ever imagined. Honestly, my “comfort zone” didn’t know what had hit it! And when my comfort zone reached a point of desperation, I finally cried out to God. When my strength was tapped out, I recognized the vulnerability of my personal weakness which moved me to acknowledge my need for God. The supernatural empowerment I experienced in that moment tied deeply-stable knots to my faith-strings.

What a beautiful analogy for real life: As my feet pounded the frozen pavement - - every time I placed one foot in front of the other - - God met me in that placement. And as I persevered through the difficulties and obstacles in that race, it was God who was glorified in the outcome. Drawing me to a place of recognizing my humble dependence on Him, He didn’t remove the obstacles. But rather, He carried me through them.  My feet traversed through Scripture as I experienced the dynamics of Hebrews 12:1b-2a, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”

Choosing to subject myself to, and persevere through, the obstacles of that New Year’s Day race, served as an invaluable faith-building exercise. Had I chosen to live within the limits of my comfort zone, I would have missed an opportunity to grow and mature my faith. And I would have robbed myself of the privilege of experiencing God in His supernatural glory.

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weakness…” [1]

Choose to persevere!

GOING DEEPER:

1. How will you choose perseverance?

FURTHER READING:

2 Corinthians 1:9

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1] 2 Corinthians 12:9-10a

Him-Powering Perseverance (Part One)

By Karen D’Amore

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

With a daunting forecast of 9 degrees and a windchill of -28, the thought of running a five-mile race in the frigid temperatures was perplexing. In spite of several viable excuses to forego the race, something inside of me was insistent. Chilled to the bone and my enthusiasm rapidly waning, I approached the start line with a lump of reluctance in my throat. After mile one, I questioned my sanity! By mile two…icicles dripped from my eyelashes…and my feet were frozen numb. Limping into mile three with a gnawing temptation to quit, I was startled when my music quite unexpectedly turned on; the worship song became a timely reinforcement:

“So I pray…God I need You more than words can say…Right here in this moment…

You know my need…I’m gonna pray.” [1]  

PRAY!!! With discouraging obstacles consuming my focus, I had been too distracted to consider praying.

As I recalled Philippians 4:13 and prayed for the “Son” to thaw my frozen feet, I was overcome with a rush of warmth and feeling in my feet was restored. By mile four, I was cruising joyfully on praise music and prayers, until I was forced to dig deeper into my perseverance-pockets and trudge up a steep incline nearing the finish line. While emitting an exasperating “Ugh,” I contemplated the parallels between the race course impediments, and those challenges we encounter along the course of life.

For me, my finish-line victory resonated with perseverance: being steadfast in doing something despite the difficulty. [2] The challenging hurdles along the twisting, turning course certainly symbolized how difficult, dangerous, debilitating and discouraging life can often be. When I fixated on those uncomfortable challenges, I wanted to quit the race! But when God supernaturally intervened, nudging me to pray and draw strength from Him…He empowered me with everything necessary to press on to the finish.

Later, from the warmth of my comfortable couch, I pondered the Greek translation of perseverance which means “to remain under.” I remained under those miserable conditions for the duration of the race. And, while attempting to endure them in my own strength, I was defeated. As God reinforced the importance of utter dependence on Him, I learned that when we God-up…instead of give-up…God will show up!  Scripture informs us that in this life, we will face trials and troubles. However, God never intended for us to tackle them in our own strength. [3]

When you encounter those difficult obstacles along the course of life, never give up…but instead God-up…and experience Him-powering perseverance!

GOING DEEPER:

1. What difficulties are weighing you down? Who/what is your power source?

FURTHER READING:

Hebrews 10:36; James 1:12; 1 Chronicles 16:11

Married to Dan, Karen, a retired police officer, currently works as a Manicurist at Craig Berns Salon and as an instructor in the Cosmetology Department at WCTC. Karen also serves on the Welcoming Team at Oakwood.

[1]  Sanctus Real. “Pray.” Run, Birdwing Music, 2013. Listen here:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=a_J4I4gsvYA

[2] https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/perseverance

[3] John 16:33