This morning, Isaac and Maximus both decided this snow was not going to
stop them from going out for a run. This is not their favorable
running weather, at all. They realize, however, they cannot continue to wait
for better conditions to run. They do not want to be set back in their physical exercise.
They do not want to become complacent, and eventually, out of the race.
As unpleasant the thought of going out in it, they decided, enough is enough,
they must push onward, regardless, and run.
(By the time I caught up with them on my walk, it was just trickling, and melted.)
The Lord Jesus does not want us to stop running straight on
in spite of the obstacles in our lives. He does not want us to quit, slow down,
our Spiritual exercise. He wants us to do opposite, and let NOTHING bring us
to complacency or a halt. Push harder, forward in spite of, and be STRENGTHENED
with all might . Pray, discipline, His Word, relying on
His constant source of help to press on His way.
We must keep running the race.
I need this reminder. I need this Spiritual push from the Lord. Some days,
the extreme difficulty, feels heavier than others. I also find when I surrender my feelings,
and all weighty trials, to Him, and push hard past, trust and go forth and obey,
there is Spiritual muscle being produced, by our Lord and Savior, there is Victory!
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint,
because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 3:3-5
“let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us,
and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…” Heb. 12:1-2
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do,
forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 3:14
“For by You I can run against a troop,
By my God I can leap over a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
The word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him.
“For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
He teaches my hands to make war,
So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You have also given me the shield of Your salvation;
Your right hand has held me up,
Your gentleness has made me great.
You enlarged my path under me,
So my feet did not slip.” Psalms 18:29-36
