Saturday, June 17, 2017

Paved Protected Path Planned Just for You




I was running with my son and husband along the cross-country course at school.  The course not clearly cut shorter than the rest of the field, we simply ran the path as remembered from last year.  Along the run, some portions revealed white line painted into the grass.  My son said (numerous times), “White lines mom!”  He indicated that I veered over the lines and into my own little path while running. 

Problem #1 – the lines fainted with rain and mowing of the field; therefore, seeing the lines required precise vision and focus on location of feet always. 

Problem #2 – blurred lines cannot contain an out of control runner or someone looking way ahead of the current location along the path.

Problem #3 – leading requires knowledge of exact direction to avoid crashing, missed turns or failure to complete the whole course. 

Each problem real.  Each problem I own.  Each problem resulting in frustration of others around me.

The race ran in practice, training or just for physical wellness resembles that of the race ran every single day in life.  Runners must prepare with proper shoes, clothing and hydration needs.  Runners must be ready for whatever terrain the course presents.  Runners must endure conditions of any kind, whether heated environment, storms or chilled temperature.  Runners must finish the race to receive victory, the prize.



Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2

Each day, the sun rises to provide new opportunities in life.  Each day is paved, protected and planned.  God set out before you wakened and painted the lines for your path to follow this very day.  God asks that you keep focus on Him throughout this very day.  God commands that He leads you on this very day. 

The lines may blur from time to time along the path, leading to uncertainty of where to take the next step.  It is in such times, we must rely solely on faith and look to the One leading us in the race.  Worry about one step at a time; for, if we worry or work to manipulate the path ahead, we lose sight of God’s planned and paved path protected by His Hands.  Keep eyes on the Leader, the Perfect Father.  He knows the complete course and the way to the finish line. 

Prepare daily for the race which God planned.  Put on the proper equipment.  Carry the Living Water, His Word, to sustain life.  Stand firm in faith, enduring whatever terrain or environment occurs.  God will lead through the worst of times into the best of times.  Whatever you do, don’t give up.  Today is your day to live as God desired for you.  Today is your race; run it with joy in knowing the prize waits at the finish line.    

   

13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:13-17


13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again,14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”  John 4:13-14


Live life. . .One Day at a time! 

Sheree Craig   

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