Recently I signed up for my first 5k. I've been walking and running for about 10 years. Some young friends talked me into trying it. I started slow, and in my 'much older' sisters words, I just tapered off. I decided I was never going to get faster and if I didn't try to finish a 5k now, I'd never do it. I guess my impending 60th birthday is making me feel like I need to 'do' something; something I can say, "I always wanted to do that!"
So a few days a week I get my workout clothes, my 49ers cap to keep my curls out of my face, and turn on my Nike running app. I don't always feel like doing it. Sometimes I hurt, or I'm tired, or I just have too much to do. I want to give up. But when I make myself keep going. . . one foot in front of the other, tired legs or not, ragged breathe. I always feel better at the end. I know that powering through the difficulties will make it worth it in the end.
This made me think on my walk this morning that my spiritual walk is the same. . . there are days I just want to pull the covers over my head and give up. Things aren't going smoothly. I feel like nothing is working for my good. That visit with the doctor didn't give me the news I wanted. My brother or sister in Christ let me down. . . again. I gave in to the temptation to _____(you fill in the blank) . . after trying so hard to overcome. Don't you have days you feel down, you feel out; you cannot go another step.
But God is faithful, even when we aren't. I was reminded this morning as I read these words,
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is
perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
For our light affliction, which is but for a moment,
is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
while we do not look at the things which are seen,
but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are
temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
This world, no matter how long, how hard, how difficult life can be, it is only temporary. I love how God has promised to make it work for us, these light afflictions. I know they can be heavy and feel like more than we can bear. But His word encourages us to think beyond the moment. So sometimes we just 'power through' this life. Don't forget Who you live for. So, keep your chin up and 'Look like Jesus.'
very nice!
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