a few weeks ago my kids had their school cross country. a race.
with a start point and a destination. and a journey in-between.
up hills. through gates. down paths. a course to follow.
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’ So God led the people around by the desert road towards the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. Exodus 13:17-18
i read this the other night in my youversion Mc’cheyne reading plan and it struck me how God had a course for the Israelites to follow. and there was purpose to the path.
How often do we look at our own life and see the destination ahead of us but wonder WHY we seem to be going round in circles, or up gut busting hills, or through valleys…?
God did not lead His people the shortest most direct route for a purpose. His purpose was that their hearts would remain steadfast towards Him, that they would trust Him and honour Him. His purpose was so that they would be His people and not return to Egypt, into slavery and pain.
What is the purpose of the race we are on? What is the purpose of the path?
Our steps are ordered by God. He is the master planner of my life.
Though i may not know the path i do know the destination. The finishing line is to please Him and live forever in His presence.
Until that point i am growing and being transformed. Until that point i am to be a light to shine, to demonstrate the reality and goodness and greatness of God.
No matter what the path.
Each step i take i choose to take with love and grace and trust.
Each step i take i choose to take with obedience and confidence in the goodness of God.
Each step i take i choose to lead me closer to the destination.
i am in a race and i run to win.
no matter the path.
i love the above jillian michael’s quote.
but you know, sometimes the path involves puking and fainting. sometimes i’m pushed to the boundaries of my strength. sometimes i’m overcome in my weaknesses. sometimes the pace i am running at is slower than a snails, and the position is on my knees, crawling with ever ounce of strength i can muster, the ground wet with tears and sweat. sometimes its painful and feels purposeless. sometimes its mundane and monotonous. sometimes its ordinary.
and if i die, i still win.
i die to self, i die to my will and my rights and i choose Jesus. All the time. Every step. All the way.
#FiveMinuteFriday free write time! <—click to tweet this!
Five Minute Friday is a feature over at Lisa-Jo Bakers TALES FROM A GYPSY MAMA blog. i first read about it on my friend Fee’s blog and thought it sounded fun!
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready?
4 comments
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October 13, 2012 at 3:12 pm
Jen C (@HSinHighHeels)
Love your passion. I used to be a fitness instructor, part-time, before kids. Been thinking about getting back into it. My first FMF, and I link up behind a fitness blogger. Good on you. I’m going to take a look around.
October 13, 2012 at 7:10 pm
fireball3316
hi jen! thanks for the comment though have to laugh as this is more a “heart/spirit fitness” blog than a fitness blog – using the illustration of running with life!
October 13, 2012 at 7:32 pm
shortybear
Fabulous post.
October 15, 2012 at 3:53 am
Grace {illustrated}
Racing for God! Yes!! Purposely glorifying Him each step of the race! Yes!! This is what I see you are doing, Claire. Joyfully joining you in this cause for the race!