Out of My Comfort Zone

What just happened? 

Hadn't I already made up my mind?  Hadn't I already decided I was not going to put myself in that place again?  Hadn't I already determined stepping out on a limb was risky business?

No, the limb relationship was not romantic in nature.  Instead, it was a relationship of a much different sort.  My limb and I were to have developed a trusting and genuine friendship.  At least, that's how it was supposed to have played out.

It didn't.

My limb broke.  Hard.  And in pieces.

Then God stepped in.

Apparently, He'd determined my limb needed re-visitation.

And apparently, He was intent on persuading me to realize that the limb-stepping business isn't necessarily as monstrous a risk as I might have supposed.

Despite my determination to avoid limbs, at all costs even, my Lord scooped me right up from where I thought I'd securely cemented my feet, and transplanted me smack dab in the middle of a similar limb.  A limb I was avoiding - like the plague.

Just so you know, He and I had discussed this whole limb-thing many times over the past two months.  I'd already expressed my concern to God that limbs were not for me, and not at all what I'd bargained for.

Oh sure,  I had prayed for His divine intervention.  But honestly, my prayers weren't all that convincing - to myself even.

But oh, what a wonderful thing when God intervened anyway.  Despite my having given up on going out on a limb.

I'm gonna stay out on this limb awhile.  I believe it's a little stronger than the other one.  And, I believe I'm a little stronger because of the limb that broke.

What if this one breaks? 

There are other limbs in the forest.  Lots of 'em.

What an awesome God we serve.

I don't know about tomorrow.

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from its sunshine,

For its skies may turn to grey.

I don't worry about the future,

For I know what Jesus said.

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what lies ahead.

 

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand.

But I know who holds tomorrow,

And I know who holds my hand.

 

- Lyrics by Ira Stanphill, 1950 -



The Finish Line

It's the goal of all marathon runners, isn't it?  Crossing that finish line.

Whatever it takes!

Taking a step or so further, the truly impassioned marathoner crosses that line with such determination as to leave others running the same race dust-covered.

The runner's distinctive steps? 

They're measureless.  They're limitless.  They're timeless.

• Run with a prize in mind.  - 1 Corinthians 9:24
• Don't hold back.  - 1 Corinthians 9:25-27
• Physical training.  - 1 Timothy 4:8
• Follow the rules.  - 2 Timothy 2:5
• Finish the race.  Have faith.  - 2 Timothy 4:7
• Run with perseverence. - Hebrews 12:1
• Discipline and strengthen yourself. - Hebrews 12:11-13
• Depend on Christ for strength in everything.  - Philippians 4:13
• Place your hope in the Lord to renew your strength. - Isaiah 40:31
• Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.'  - Revelations 3:11

What type of crowns? 

1. The crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS.  2 Timothy 4:8 - 'Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.'
2. The crown of REJOICING.  1 Thessalonians 2:19 - 'For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes?'
3. The crown of LIFE.  James 1:12 - 'Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.'
4. The crown of GLORY.  1 Peter 5:2-4 - 'Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.'
5. The ETERNAL crown.  1 Corinthians 9:25 - 'Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training.  They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.'

What will we do with our crowns?  Lay them at Jesus' feet. - Revelations 4:10

Oswald Chambers said, 'Begin to know Him now, and finish never.'

Well said! 

Don't just start the race.  Don't stop!