Go the Distance 🏃‍♀️🏃

This is for the weary ones ...

The other day, as I was running, the Lord spoke: I made you to go the distance.

Now, I definitely don't run by choice; it was part of the prescribed daily workout at my gym. It was hot. I was tired ... and a bit cranky, to be honest.

But wow, did those words encourage my heart. They weren't really about my physical fitness. Jesus was speaking into my inner being, strengthening my weary soul.

Living as a disciple of Christ is not a sprint. But we do each have a race to run. It's a life-long marathon. Better yet — a pilgrimage.

We will each arrive before God in Zion one day! But in the meantime, we're trekking through some rough terrain. The Valley of Baca (weeping): check. The Valley of the Shadow of Death: check. The Valley of Achor (trouble): double check.

Clearly, we can't escape suffering. Jesus promises his followers that we will have tribulation in this world. James tells us to consider it an occasion for sheer celebration when we face all types of trials. (I'm still shocked by that verse.)

The writer of Hebrews puts it like this:

How do we develop endurance? I'd say persisting under resistance. In other words, we've gotta go through some stuff.

The truth is that the will of God includes suffering. Jesus endured the cross and calls us to carry one as well. Charles Spurgeon said, "Suffering is God's school for you."

It's not for our harm but for our growth. We learn to lean on God as our help, our hope, and our healer through every season, every lesson. What's more, we learn to apprehend the promises attached to those tougher places...

Baca becomes a reservoir of refreshment (Psalm 84:6). Achor, a door of hope (Hosea 2:15). Death Valley, an intimate feast and anointing ceremony (Psalm 23:5).

Eventually, we come to know and declare: Better is one day in the presence of God, in the will of God, than a thousand elsewhere.

Recently I was listening to a woman share about the pain of losing her daughter. She said something that has stayed with me: "The pain is so deep, but God is deeper." That's a good word.

There's no pit too deep or place too dark for God Almighty. Nothing can keep you and me from His relentless love and reach.

Whatever you're going through right now — sickness or surgery, depression or hope deferred — I'm here to remind you that Jesus goes before, behind, and with you.

The Holy Spirit sustains you in the wilderness and sees you through every deep valley and dark night. He carries you. He weeps with you. He intercedes for you and through you.

Let your faith be forged and tested until you're convinced that what God has spoken, he will make happen.

Let endurance do its good work. God made you to go the distance!

Love,

Chelsea

You're invited: Worthy Words Co. will be popping up this Friday for Harvest Market!