I went out Saturday to start my long runs for a Marathon in January. It was a cloudy, cool day with no hope of sunshine. I hate to run on days like that and this day was no exception to that rule. My mind is just not positive on cloudy, dark, misty days. I wanted to run 14 miles, because I only have 10 weeks to complete my training.
I did good on my first 3 ½ mile loop through the park and downtown. I did the second loop and came back to the car for a drink and candy to restore sugar levels. I have just started running in a hilly terrain, so add that to the “I hate to run on days like this” theme. As I sat there, I started the van and headed home. I had all I could take for this day! As I pulled out, I knew I had to get back out and run more. I knew if I left, I was done for this marathon. My key to completing a marathon is making the long runs and dreaming of finishing during the run. I pulled back in and took one more lap to get my mind right. I didn’t make 14, but I didn’t quit at 7 either.
That is the way you have to use your faith. Faith is the source you go too, when you can’t see the answer.
“ NOW faith is being sure of what you HOPE for, and certain of what you CAN NOT SEE”.
Hebrew 11:1
” For we live by faith, not by sight”.
2 Corinthians 5:7
When you start to give up on anything, your faith is the source of staying power. In the darkest times of your life, God has given us faith by the Spirit. God has given you this most powerful source of ENERGY. In Galatians 5, you see faith is a fruit of the Spirit given to each one of us. You don’t have to build faith, just use God’s gift given by his Spirit. A gift can’t be earned. If you earn something that is a wage. God gave us faith by his grace. God is not looking for you to be the most wonderful Christian in the world. He makes us wonderful Christians by the gifts of the Spirit. If you could live a sinless life, then Christ came in vain. We live in and by his power.
You are never alone. If today is a cloudy day in life with no hope of sunshine, use the gift of faith to complete your run today and everyday.
MIND CHANGE: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! My faith solves problems where I can’t see an answer. Faith is the power used to deal with unseen answers and resolutions. Do you want to please God – use the faith he gave you. How do I get faith: I confess with my mouth that I have faith and believe in my heart that God gave it to me. You get it by the confession of your mouth and what you believe in your heart. The same way you got salvation.
Carl,
I needed this today, it was a real Blessing, thanks.
God Bless and may you continue to do this work.
We are praying with you Donna