I am beginning to identify with Jeremiah, “the weeping prophet.” Not that I consider myself a prophet, but I do weep.
Each time my fingers tap out the words to send from my heart to yours, this thought runs through my brain, “Maybe I should write something that has a light-hearted, playful even.” And each time, God whispers, “So many of my children want to finish well, but they are hurting, struggling, wounded, and uncertain about the future.”
I count myself one of the many.
We long to finish the race God has set before us. But if we were honest, there are days when our faith teeters on the fence of doubt. We wonder if we can take another step, let alone complete the race.
Perhaps the days of lightheartedness will come soon. I hope so.
But for now, we are called to-
- lock arms
- hold one another up
- offer grace when one stumbles
- lift each other up
- and take one more step in this heavenly race
We are to remember that this world truly is not our permanent home (Hebrews 13:14). There is a glorious place waiting for us. But until we stand face to face with Christ in all of His glory, we must remember we are ambassadors of His kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20-21). Called to bring what’s up there down here in our day-to-day lives. We are reflectors of grace, set apart for a greater purpose, invited to know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering (Philippians 3:10).
Confession time. We have all seen that crazed football fan, the one who paints their face with their team colors and roars with every advancement of the ball down the field, then jumps up punching the air with their giant sponge hand when the team scores. That’s me when I hear the first part of this verse, “the power of His resurrection.” YES!!! Go, God! That’s what I want to see, the resurrection power.
But as I reflect on this verse in light of so many who find themselves in life’s hard places, there is a more explicit message coming into view. There can be no resurrection power without death first. Wow! I never saw that before.
Maybe today, you are experiencing a death of sorts- the death of a dream, a job, a relationship, health, or expectation. My friend, these are the places where His resurrection power breathes life into dry bones.
Every victory won was first a battle fought.
Each body healed, was first a disease diagnosed.
We reach the mountain peak by first trekking through the valley.
Suffering never negates the greater purposes of God or our identity in Him.
So, dear one, live with your eyes wide open to-
- His divine peace
- His miraculous ways
- His overwhelming joy
- His unexplainable presence
- His extravagant love
- His Wondrous Grace
This is our God! Remember Him and run your race in awe!
4 Responses
I really need this today. Got out of the nursing home on Saturday. I’m weak from being in bed for 4 months with a broken ankle. God bless you both❤️
Dear friend, I know that weakness and the frustration that comes with it. Praying for you, friend, that God will make His presence known as you walk this recovery.