Depending On God While Running
You're probably wondering what I am talking about? Well, allow me to explain. When the Lord laid on my heart to start running but only with Him, I was excited but didn't know what that looked like or felt like. I started to do it with Him on the treadmill where there were no interruptions. I found myself getting a little distracted with thoughts and asked God if I could watch YouTube instead while I ran. Now, I understand why God is a jealous God! I ended up with back problems. When I realized that I was involving something else and not just God and I, I repented and allowed Him to change me again and again and again! The pain went away!
It was going fairly well, obviously things are going to be a touch different because I have the girls with me, but they still are little troopers and help me when I'm running with the stroller outside. Then I started to slip again and would take a phone call here or there and think to myself - God will understand, He allowed this anyways. Not realizing at the time, it was a test!
Again and again, I'd repent and be washed again. The burden of whatever was hard pressed against my body was lifted. You see, not many talk about this, but when Jonah disobeyed the storm came against the ship in the sea. In verse 12 of Chapter 1, Jonah states, "Throw me into the sea and it will become calm again. I know that this terrible storm is all my fault." The storm came because he didn't obey. He didn't make excuses or blame others for this storm. He humbled and splash he went!
Recently, I depended on God to direct me on where to go (Google Maps if you will). And He did and He was spot on. I heard, "13 miles." And it was13 miles when I got back home. I heard, 14 miles, and it was 16 miles when I got home. I went out with no idea where I was going or what I was going to do on the run for water. I just depended on Him. I heard the Lord say, "Allow me to even provide water." But I got afraid. I wanted to take things into my own hands so I went and bought a water belt. I took away that blessing. There was one time while I was running 8 mile, I ran past a garage sale. I heard Him say, "Ask for a bottle of water." But I legit got stage freight and kept running. I not only robbed them a blessing but I robbed myself a blessing.
So I obeyed the next time. I went for a 12 mile run and was coming up to 8 miles but ran out of water, so I was prompted again, "ask this guy for some water." So, I did this time, and the guy happened to be a follower of Christ and was blessed that I stopped! So was I!
Running with just Him and I has been challenging. I rely on Him to tell me where to turn. I rely on Him telling me what house to stop at for water. I rely on Him to give me the strength with no Gu. And I rely on Him to heal my body when it is sore (feet especially). AND HE HAS COME THROUGH EVERY TIME!
Recently, I have a had a tailbone issue. It feels painful and it won't settle down. Just tonight as I posted the picture, I had no idea that what I would discover would be about my running. Two weeks ago, I allowed phone calls to interrupt my runs with the Lord and girls and I have paid for it. I just repented and asked Him to forgive me, and a sudden burden was lifted and the peace was back! The relaxation was back and the dependency on God was there again.
What are you disobeying God with? Are you in pain somewhere in your body that you can't explain but you see a doc, or chiropractor, or healing it with pain meds? What did the Lord last tell you to do and you were too afraid or resistant? Take inventory on your life and check off what you and the Lord are supposed to be doing together that others have interfered with because you opened the door. Repent and ask for forgiveness and get back out there! I'm talking to myself, too!
My prayer is that we become more dependent on God with our WHOLE life. I pray that we own up to our faults and not blame things or others for our disobedience. And finally, I pray a blessing over you that you will come to know what it is that you need to do with God and follow through on it with no fear but instead, strength through our Jesus Christ! Amen.
Joyful Home Welcomes You!
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