Sometimes I get out to run and I want to lay down on the side of the road and take a nap within the first 5 minutes. Usually this can last up to a mile or three, then I finally get into a groove. But some days, like yesterday, it lasts until I stop. I hate that feeling. It felt like this was the first time I'd ever been running. I tried to enjoy the scenery, which took my mind off of my weary body, a little.
I remembered to pray. I remembered that God had started me on this journey....I remembered how faithful He has been along the way and how much I have learned through persevering. I have grown stronger as a runner, pushing through those days when I'm not "feeling it." Committing the run to Him and asking that He use it to strengthen me. There is a reason why Paul compares running a race to this current life. There are times when we just want to curl up and take a nap, right? Sometimes we just want to give up....we feel so weary....so lonely....so discouraged....so broken. But God, through His generosity and great mercy is there to carry us through those times. He may not change our circumstances, but be sure that He is changing us! As we become more dependent on Him, He is able to strengthen us. He only asks for our small amount of faith...and a little effort.
Working with middle schoolers can bring weariness! Pushing kids and their families toward Christ requires even more strength and faith. The staff at Hope Academy face spiritual battles on a regular basis. As they run this tough race, pray that they would be strengthened in the Lord and in His power. Pray Ephesians 1:17-19 for them:
"I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you (Hope Academy Staff) the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the HOPE to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in His people, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.
THAT SAME POWER THAT HE EXERTED WHEN HE RAISED CHRIST FROM THE DEAD AND SEATED HIM IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS!!!"
I know all too well about the weariness that comes with keeping your hand to the plow. God regularly brings me back to Gal 6:9-10 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the perfect time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Be encouraged my sister. Do not give up! And I probably should get back to that running thing too.
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