Russell Media - Laurie

Years ago our family lived in Munich, Germany and while there I ran my first marathon. Completing this distance was something I had dreamt about for a long time but always doubted my ability to run that far.

I had a love/hate relationship with the training. I enjoyed the challenge but often asked, “Why am I doing this to myself?”

Race day was no different. There were moments of highs and lows. One in particular was as I neared mile 18. My energy began to drop and I feared I was about to hit the infamous “wall” where the body threatens to shut down. My legs became heavy and it took more effort to move them.

As I came to the 18^th mile marker the course tuned into a city park. It was there I saw a man holding a sign that read…

Where there is pain, there is life.

Yes the pain I felt at that moment was, well uh…a pain. But these words revitalized my spirit and showed me the power that can be found in discomfort.

One, I was accomplishing a goal I held for over 15 years. Big aspirations require hard work, struggles and moments of doubt. Goals teach us to push our limits. They take us out of our comfort zone and remove the unstable crutches we mistakenly depend upon. It is here that we are able to clearly see God’s hand holding us up and revealing to us what we are able to do.

Second, my pain reminded me that I was overcoming an obstacle. Two years prior I struggled to walk after having knee surgery to reconstruct my ACL. Now I was running and fulfilling a dream (well, some may not define my speed as actual running but that’s beside the point.) Hindrances are not pleasant and can be overwhelming but once you’ve passed them – whoa – what a rush of triumph. No interference that God allows in our life is unbreakable unless God is using it to redirect our course.

Third, the pain proved to me that my body and spirit were fully alive. The marathon didn’t just challenge me physically but also mentally and emotionally. Every part of my being felt the pain that day but every part also celebrated as I crossed the finish line. When we turn off part of ourselves in order to avoid pain or discomfort, it begins to atrophy. Before you know it you’re only partially alive and not experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers.

When you avoid discomfort, you avoid life. If Jesus had avoided the pain of the Cross we would have missed out on the gift of eternal life and the power of the resurrection.

Pain is multi-tiered and the level I’ve discussed here is pain in its simplest form so I pray I haven’t hurt or offended anyone who is presently dealing with a deeper. My desire is only to encourage the avoidance of building a permanent boundary around our lives that prevents us from experiencing life and God abundantly.

Is pain or discomfort something you try to avoid?

What has God shown you in the midst of painful trials?

 

 

 

 

Is it just me or does the world seem to be falling apart. Wars all around us, natural disasters altering lives in the matter of minutes and the economy, etc. Do you ever find yourself wondering why is God not intervening?

Easter Saturday I walked with our daughter, Anastasia, to her soccer game. We talked about it being the day before Easter and wondered what the disciples felt that day. Were they scared? Did they feel as if Jesus had lied? Were they mourning the loss of Jesus and the hope they held in Him?

I’m sure they felt as if their life was imploding. Political unrest, Jesus was gone, their new “careers” as disciples seemed to be over and feared for their lives. They scattered, one denied, another betrayed. Stability had vanished.

Little did they know that God had a miracle waiting for them around the corner that would restore their peace and fill them with confidence and strength.

I know what I believe about God but sometimes it’s hard to believe what I believe about Him – especially when life around me seems to be spinning out of control. I often find myself crying out to God the same as Jairus, “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.”

Three things I’ve found have helped me find God in these times of struggle:

1)   Serve – The women rose early that Easter morning to serve Jesus. They were going to care for His body. God honored their servant hearts by revealing Himself to them. Often when I serve God, in spite of my circumstances, He shows Himself to me.

2)   Express doubts – While in jail, John the Baptist questioned if Jesus was the true Messiah. He was about to be beheaded - why Jesus was not saving him? Jesus wasn’t offended – in fact He gave John the proof he needed and then praised John to the crowd as the greatest man to be born of woman. God is not threatened when I share my doubts with Him. He guides me to truth and peace through His word and others.

3)   Praise – Psalm 22:3 tells us that God inhabits the praises of his people. When we praise Him, His presence draws near. When He’s near, peace reigns, even if chaos surrounds us. When I praise Him through music or words, my focus turns to Him and off the turmoil I face.

Life may seem as if it’s out of control but God has not left us. He’s a God who likes to give good surprises. But as we wait here is a verse to ponder…

“Let the Lord lead you and trust him to help. Then it will be as clear as the noonday sun that you were right.” Ps. 37:5 (CEV)

Believe what you know to be true of God and as you wait for Him to help you in your circumstance serve Him, talk with Him and praise Him.

What helps you find God when your life feels out of control?

When He seems distant, how do you draw near to Him?