Today is one of those Fridays where I am short of words – struggling with a way to keep the Buffet moving forward today! But I have stumbled on one thought that I am holding on to this morning, the Lord’s words to Moses:
12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Exodus 4:12 New International Version (NIV)
Why do I think that these words he gave to Moses, he also would say to use.
Go, and let him help you speak and teach you what to say!
GO!
Sometimes very simple reminders like this one make the day better.
“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” Luke 12:6-7 NIV
As you go about the day today, are you following the good shepherd, or are you being lead be something else?
Stay close to the shepherd who has come to give himself for you.
A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives his life for the sheep. “I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I give my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not in this flock, and I must bring them also. They will listen to my voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The Father loves me because I give my life so that I can take it back again. No one takes it away from me; I give my own life freely. I have the right to give my life, and I have the right to take it back. This is what my Father commanded me to do.” (John 10:10, 11, 14-18 NCV)
One last thought on that triathlon. I know you are sick of hearing about it, but this is what I do after these sorts of events, I analyze it over and over in my mind. Yes, way to obsessive.
Anyway, I was thinking last night, about where I lost time, and how I lost a lot of time in the run. Immediately after the event, I thought it was because of tired legs. But after running those 2 miles in my head again, I realized it was actually due to a lack of focus, and a bit of fear. I started focus on the pain, and those around me, instead of focusing of my effort, attitude and the race in front of me. And then the fear of the all too familiar pain that comes with pushing yourself extra hard.
So, what does that mean to you? Well, for one thing when you do a triathlon, don’t make the same mistake I made! But more importantly, when you are doing your daily life, like today, focus on your effort, your attitude and the race in front of you. And ignore all the rest of that stuff – God will take care of that!
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:28-33 New International Version (NIV)
Yesterday I finished my first triathlon. What a great experience, and what a fantastic physical test. I was really surprised how much transitioning from event to event took out of me – and how my focused waned as my strength decreased. I am such a slacker.
However, In many ways, it reminds me of the effort it can take through the day to keep your eyes on the prize and your focus of reflecting the Light for those around you.
But when you hang in there, and keep grinding, you will be successful. So today, be the light, and stay focused.
I know I shared this verse last week, but it’s still in my brain, so here it is again in a different form.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version (NIV)