Keep Running

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you."
-Galatians 5:7-8

Often times the "one" that cuts in on someone is another person. But when I read this verse I thought of myself. I think I can be my own stumbling block the majority of the time. My old, sinful self can get in the way even when I am running a good race. My pride, my insecurity, my fears, my impatience, lack of self-control, and my feelings keep me from running because I blame others or make excuses for the reasons of my actions. And the more I blame others, the more shame I put on myself. And then God, who has been there all a long, steps in with His Truth, love, and grace.

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." -Galatians 5:13

"So I (Paul) say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh...But if you are LED by the Spirit, you are not under the law." -Galatians 5:16, 18

When I walk in the Spirit my eyes are opened to the sin in my own heart and the Spirit gives me the love, kindness, patience, and compassion to love others in their sin. When I walk by the Spirit I do not blame others for my wrong choices, and I can be humble in front of people. When I walk with the Spirit, the Spirit makes me aware of other peoples suffering and not just my own.

Last year was a great growth and test in my faith. I grew as a person and I grew closer to God. Even through the trial and the pain I was running the race well, and it felt like nothing could stop me! This past semester (Spring 2015) I was stopped more times than I'd like to admit. The semester was good and God did so many great things, but I didn't fully enjoy them as I should because I had been cut off. Not by anyone else but myself. My schedule was different and my Jesus cup was running on empty most of the time. I was pouring out with barely anything in my cup. And there is no one to blame but myself.

However, just because I wasn't running the race well doesn't mean God isn't good. God is still always faithful, good, gracious, and loving. And He used my foolishness for His good. I wish I could go back to the semester and do it all over again, but what has passed stays in the past. God is faithful to forgive and move us forward. But one thing I learned from my foolishness this semester was this: I can't go a day without Jesus. And I never want to again. And that boldness in Christ is to be bold and humble when admitting that I don't have it all together.

My boldness in Christ is not just for sharing the gospel with people. It's for being humble and admitting when I have sinned and let people know that I don't have it all together.

An Honest Prayer:

Forgive me Lord for Spring 2015. It was not a good semester for my relationship with You because I was complacent. But it was good because You were good through it all even when I was not. Just like how You are always good. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart. Thank You for Your Spirit at work in me. Thank You for changing me from my selfish ways. Keep changing this prideful, fearful, and insecure heart. Change my lazy attitude and make me busy for Godly things, and give me rest when I need rest. Thank You for sending Your Son Jesus Christ to take away all my sin. Thank You for forgiveness and for my salvation. Thank You for loving roommates and a community on campus to live life with and grow together. Remind me of my purpose and help me with perseverence to keep me running this race well. Thank You for Your love, mercies, and grace. I need You every hour of the day! I love you and I love loving You. Keep me bold, keep me humble, keep me running. In Jesus name, Amen!

"For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."
-2 Timothy 4:6-7