I was talking with my husband Philip today about how far we have come since we were two 19 year olds. We were madly in love, lived on two minute noodles a lot of the time, earnt minimum wages and owned an old car that most of the time was parked up in the garage not working. We walked everywhere, had a house filled with people all the time and everything was second hand. But we didn’t care, we loved each other and Jesus with all our hearts.
Philip and I have journeyed a distance since those early years and have gained a lifetime of experiences as we’ve travelled the world, raised 6 children together, ministered, worked, studied for our qualifications and determined to keep living out our purpose and growing as people.
Instead of always looking at how far you have to go in life, sometimes it’s good to look back and see how far you have come and all that God has done in you. It reminds us of how faithful God has been, and all that we have learnt and experienced. As I say, “With God, nothing is ever wasted that we travel through in life, especially if you learn from it.” Plus, if on reflection we don’t like what we are seeing as part of who we are, we have with God’s help the option to change.
Today I was reminded of how God has blessed and held us together both in the battles we’ve faced and in the really great times of our life. It encouraged us both and strengthened our resolve to just keep running our race. We aren’t running our race alone because God is right there alongside us.
Take some time to look and see how far you have come today and give thanks for all God has done in and through your life this far. Then ask Him to reveal any areas He wants to work on and bring change in and determine to just keep running…
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Psalm 27:23-24)
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; Fix your gaze directly before you.” (Proverbs 4:25)
Prayer: Lord thank you for all that you have done in my life to this point. I’ve come a long way. Please show me the way ahead and anywhere I may need to invite and allow you to work in me. I want to continue to become all that you made me to be. In Jesus name Amen.