Today is my husband Philip’s birthday, and I was thinking about how young we were when we met and how far we have come since we were teenagers and got married at 19 years old.
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 who would visit us, and a lot of what we owned was second-hand.
Philip and I have journeyed a distance since those early years and gained a lifetime of experiences as we’ve travelled the world, raised six children together, ministered, worked, studied for our qualifications, had several big moves to different cities and remained determined to keep living our purpose and growing as people.
Today I was reminded of how God has blessed and held us together both in the great times and in the battles we’ve faced. It’s encouraging and strengthens your resolve to keep running your race because you can see that as you move forward, you are never alone because God is alongside you.
Instead of always looking at how far you have to go, it’s also good to regularly consider how far you have come and all God has done for 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 we don’t like what we see as part of who we are, we can change with God’s help.
Take some time to consider 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, bring change in, and most of all, determine to keep running your race well…
“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 you have done in my life. 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.
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