Are You Running Fast Enough?

The boy, no older than 2 years old ran as fast as his short legs could carry him. Laughter filled the air as he glanced several times over his shoulder to see if his dad was getting closer. In just a few short steps he closed the gap, stooping down, he scooped his child into his arms swinging him around and around. He gently set him down and began to walk away. The young toddler, realizing it was his turn to chase his dad, set his legs in motion, awkwardly trying to maintain his balance while increasing his speed. Faster and faster he went, until the pace was too much for his tired little legs. He launched forward, falling to his knees; his father immediately coming to his rescue.

I want to be just like this young child. I want to be running after Jesus so fast that my feet give out and I'm constantly falling to my knees.

"Have you not known?

Have you not heard?

The everlasting God, the Lord,

The Creator of the ends of the earth,

Neither faints nor is weary.

His understanding is unsearchable.

He gives power to the weak,

And to those who have no might He increases strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary,

And the young men shall utterly fall, 
But those who wait on the Lord 
Shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings like eagles, 
They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint."~Isaiah 40:28-31

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart."~Isaiah 40:28-31

ARE YOU AFRAID OF THE BIG DROP?

"I don't know, is it a big drop?" It was too late when he began to wonder. He was securely strapped in. The log floated and bumped it's way through the water. It was his first trip to Disneyland. He'd seen the drop before getting on. From a distance it didn't seem so bad, but as the anticipation began to build, fear set in.

I often find that when I begin to focus too much on what's up ahead instead of living in the moment, the anticipation builds up fear and anxiety. It floods my trust and peace.

Today, stay focused on Jesus. Stand peacefully in the moment, noticing the things He's trying to show you. God is more than capable of handling tomorrow. Pray. Stay in the now...right where He has you and pay close attention. Soak in His Word. He will reveal Himself to you in the everyday things of life. A beautiful sunrise/sunset. A bird singing outside your window. A bright flower opening to the morning sun. A butterfly, once a crawling caterpillar now transformed...gracefully soaring. Be filled up with awe and wonder. You are loved. God is good...all the time!

TAKE A MOMENT AND LISTEN TO WHAT GOD WANTS TO REMIND YOU:

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?" Matthew 6:26

THAT THING!

He asked for "that thing." Afraid to say it...words that let go. The words that dare to speak trust. He's afraid of many things. Trust will not come easy for this young life. And yet…he asks. 

PRAYER. "That thing" that makes trust, hope and faith possible. The letting go and letting God take over. Releasing much sought after control. A new found freedom that is felt only in the letting go! 

Prayer, a call to our Creator for help, thanks, praise. Steps of growth. Walking toward the outstretched hand of our Lord…one step at  time. 

Prayer, a love cry in time of need.

Prayer, water to a parched soul.

Prayer, a thankful talk with your Heavenly Father who always listens.

"That thing," PRAYER!

"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." Philippans 4:6

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:" Matthew 7:7

"Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him." Psalm 33:8