Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
In the last devotional, I shared about Paul and his relentless pursuit of God in the midst of difficult situations. When he was bound in chains, he was still writing about running the race and finishing his course well.
I think about Corrie Ten Boom who had to observe the death of her sister right before her eyes in a Nazi concentration camp. Her family aided Jews by sheltering them from Nazi Holocaust during WWII. As a result they were punished for supporting and protecting the Jews.
They fought for what was right, but it only got darker and darker for them. The circumstances were completely opposite of what Corrie believed to be true spiritually. Not only they did not receive any medals of honor for their acts of heroism, but Corrie also lost her sister to starvation at the concentration camp. Neither Corrie nor her sister lost faith in the love of God while experiencing horrific conditions. The darker Corrie’s world became in the natural, the more she ran towards the light of the glory of God! She didn’t stop pursuing and seeking His face in spite of her paralyzing emotions and unchanging circumstances.
Paul taught us about pressing towards the goal while in prison. He was not deterred by his circumstances. Paul never saw his life blocked by God or anyone else for that matter. Just because he wasn’t able to plant churches, preach, or teach didn’t stop him from running the race. He didn’t stop praising God and encouraging people of God through his letters to the churches.
Praise God that we have great examples of Godly men and women who have gone before us. If I were in Paul’s position, I would have considered those months/years in prison a complete waste of time. I would have thought that they are a hindrance to accomplishing God’s plan and expanding His Kingdom. However, that was not Paul’s response to being in prison. He continued to give thanks in all circumstances. He exhorted us not to be anxious about anything. As zealous as he was, he had chosen to allow God’s peace to take over any feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
Is there anything that you think is blocking you from making progress? Do you feel that you are hindered from running the race right now because of your circumstances? Pray and ask the Lord to give you His perspective on your perceived limitations. No one and nothing can thwart God’s plan for you and how He wants to use you! Thank you Lord!
This is so true. I was reading the life of Jeremiah the other day and God reminded me that he was called to be a prophet to the children of Israel but, they didn’t listen or obey. Jeremiah however, faithfully continued to speak, profess and stand on the word of God.
Just like the story of Corrie in your message above, God is calling us to obedience and this doesn’t always bring immediate favorable results. After all, our measure of success are not based on what we know or think but, on what God has purposed. This means we have to continue to trust Him even when we don’t see any fruit or change in our situation. WE are called to be faithful in spite of our circumstances.
Amen! Very true!