Words of Encouragement
Mark’s text this morning was the usual text (which I love and appreciate!), but it had one added comment – “Make sure you walk today.”
Thanks to a good friend of mine, I signed up to participate in a 5K – which is this Saturday. I’ve been committed to walking at least 3 miles (almost) every day this summer because of it. I admit that I started to become lazy and skipped a few days because I really didn’t think it would make that much of a difference. Let me tell you what – it does. I’ve learned that you have to be ALL in, or you’ll feel like you’re starting all over again!
Another friend agreed to join me this summer and our walks together have been such a blessing! She walks faster than I do but I’m thankful for that push to do better. It’s amazing how motivated you become when you have something to look forward to, and it definitely makes the training more enjoyable when you have someone training with you.
Isn’t it the same with life? I don’t know what I would do without the encouragement from my husband, my kids, my friends, my church or my bible study group. I’m not saying that all of those parts are perfect, but God has definitely used them all to push me, humble me, mold me and to encourage me in my walk with Him.
One of the questions in a study guide that I’m using for our life group asked us – what has changed in my life since I became a Christian? The first thing that came to my mind was that for many years I would hibernate when I was faced with trials/stress/conflict. Let me tell you what – that’s equivalent to skipping many days/weeks/months of walking or running when you’re training for a race – and then expecting to be able to be top-notch when it’s time for the event. Running away from something or hibernating – keeping everything to yourself – doesn’t work. It’s exactly where Satan wants you because you lose self-confidence, self-worth, endurance ….and perhaps your faith. I didn’t learn this in a book – I experienced it.
God has a plan for you (Jer. 29:11), but you have to seek it out. It takes commitment. Daily commitment on your part. It doesn’t mean life is going to be rosy, but it means you will have something to look forward to.
I pray you have someone who will give you that push that you need. If you don’t, then I hope something I’ve said will help encourage you.
I’m really excited about Saturday, but the big event that I look forward to most is spending eternity with Jesus. Like I said above…. it sure makes a difference when you have something to look forward to. Eternal life with Jesus – even the sound of it comforts my soul.
Live-Write 
7 days without prayer makes 1 WEAK. Imagine what that does if missing 365 days. The joy so salvation grows weak. A hunger to see Jesus return grows weak. Thank you for lighting a little fire for us to grow stronger and perseverant in our most holy faith. Very encouraging word!
Thank you for your words of wisdom!