Phil. 3:14 (NKJV)
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ
Jesus.”
We are excited to be running this race with each of
you. We have officially
begun to assemble our Core Ministry Team!
Each member has a vital role on this team because we know that there are
no small players in God’s Kingdom. God
has consistently confirmed His promises to us as well as His purpose for
us. We are the laborers being matched
with strategic senders. I praise God for
His strategy and we will continue to press towards the goal, the prize He has
for us! Oh what a glorious day that will
be!
If God has placed it upon your heart to help support us as we run our race, establishing and building the Kingdom of God around the world, please visit Time to Revive: Mary Runion. For more information about what we are doing, feel free to contact me at the information listed on this link. I would love to talk to you about our vision for missions as well as out ministry and financial goals!
Isaiah 45:2-3 (NKJV)
“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.”
“I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. 3 I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.”
As I have begun my pastoral internship the beginning
of January, and am now right in the middle of a very busy schedule, Joe and I
have had some challenges keeping up the pace.
I have heard runners describe the process as “finding their
stride”. It is when you settle into a
rhythm or a pace for the duration of the run.
Running on a track is great and finding that stride seems to be part of
the joy of running. It is the ability to
keep moving forward while internally reflecting on life, thinking about plans
and dreams for the future, or even just not having to think at all but having a
completely clear mind. However, what if
the ground is bumpy and the trail twisting and winding? What if the track isn’t a track at all but
more of a trail, or even better, not a trail or even a path has been forged but
just running towards a destination, a finishing point? The path or ground is unpredictable and
sometimes treacherous. It causes the
runner to slow down and focus more on each step taken, the direction to run
(especially if there is not a clear path to follow), and the environment and
surroundings. All of this is essential
because without focus the runner could easily fall and break an ankle, hit his
head on a rock, or in some places come into contact with potentially dangerous
animals such as bears and snakes. As I
was considering the runner and how God was speaking to me through this, He
began to show me three major lessons.
The first lesson was “Never run alone!” When runners run alone they leave themselves
vulnerable. However, with a partner, not
only is there encouragement but also help in times of trouble! Not only are we to have someone running with
us as a partner, God never wanted us to be alone so He sent us His Spirit to be
our guide and comforter in times of trouble!
The second lesson was “The hardest path is sometimes
the most rewarding path!” When we focus
on Who God is and what He is doing, we begin to see the beauty of where He is
taking us and also discover more about who He is in the process! When we finally reach our destination, we
begin to see that it wasn’t just about reaching the finish line but the journey
along the way.
Finally, He began to show me that it takes boldness,
courage, and submission to be able to say ‘yes’ to God when He leads us off the
beaten path. As we do, though, we begin
to see His hand in a greater way, His provision in greater capacity, and
experience His love and joy in a more profound way. All of it happens because He wants us to know
Him better! I challenge you to say ‘yes’
to Him and DON’T QUIT! It may seem
slower, harder, and longer, but He is worth it!
He is always worth it!
God bless you as you run your race, seeking and serving Him!
