The Run

Life,

it's like the run.

There are so many parallels, and again I have one to share.

Sometimes I run the race and feel a Force, the wind, so bitterly opposing me. This Force, it almost rises up against me to strike my face. The leaves and dust particles beat harshly against me and my legs feel scorched with heat as I strive to push on. Not much seems to be going for me. And the Force that seems so vehemently against my striving, as if almost fighting against my every step, stays angrily opposed in my path.

Yet, when I surrender my path and instead choose to turn around, this same Force allows the change; almost welcomes it. It's almost as if instead of being opposed to my step it is now gently propelling me onward. Lovingly and tenderly leading me toward the goal; toward Home. It was almost as if when running in the other direction the Force was, rather than opposing me face on, lovingly grasping my arms and holding me from behind me where He had been waiting from the other direction for me to turn. Graciously pulling my arms and trying to coerce me to turn around, to yield my way for another path; this was the same Force? This was the same God?

Yes.

All along, what seemed like opposition, bitter and biting was actually God revealing, or trying to reveal to my heart, the way I was on was not His. He wanted for me, another way, a way that would be filled with gentle loving reminders of His love, faithfulness and mercy. A way that although still filled with pain in the race, now had a Force leading me, guiding me, lovingly pushing me on.

Is He asking you to leave the path you're on? Are your days filled with dust particles burning your eyes and scratching your scorched face? Do you feel opposition in your decision? Maybe, just maybe it is not the angry bitter lashing hand of an authoritative Ruler God, but instead, strong, yet love-filled reminders that there is a better path to take. A way filled with less hurts and more joy. A path filled with less heartache and confusion and instead filled with more peace and hope.

His way still is a run, for this is, after all, life. And in life we have not yet tasted of his delightful, full restoration. But, in Him is hope for the future He promises to all those who believe on His Son and confess their need for Him.

I pray that today finds you seeking the Force that will lovingly guide you through this run, this life, as I have found Him and am ever grateful that through all my ups and downs, He loves!

~Abi