Running shoes versus leaps of faith....
One of my friends and I had this joke in college about running shoes and how we sometimes put those imaginary running shoes on to run 50 yards away from a situation. Most often those situations involved relationships and at the slightest spook our running shoes are laced up and ready to take off. In life today, I put on running shoes when I am scared of failure, feeling vulnerable, or in a situation that makes me uncomfortable. Yes, I am a runner when life gets difficult or unsure.
Luckily, I have wonderful friends who prefer to take leaps that inspire me each day. Recently, several of my friends have done the remarkable...they have taken a leap. When I say leap, I mean quit their jobs to start a new life with meaning. Both individuals were tired of going to a job that was unfulfilling and decided to embark on a new path. These individuals seem happier and more at peace because they chose to embark on a path that they felt God was leading them too. Quitting your job to start a new job can be scary. Those thoughts of it not working place fear in our minds. Yet, we all know an individual that taken the leap/jump and it has been the best decision of their life.
Sometimes, we are presented with the decision to jump or run, and I struggle with which one is the best option. When presented with a jump or run predicament, we are often facing a decision to jump or run because it is one that is important to us. These situations are the ones that make us feel vulnerable, scared, unsure, and test our faith. (Gosh, how many times have I asked God to give me the blinking sign with the answer. Life would be too easy then.)
Looking back at situations in my life, how quickly did I lace up my running shoes before taking the time to pray about a situation and put it in God's hands. However, I too have taken some pretty big leaps. When I decided to go back to school to work on my doctorate, it was a leap. I was scared. "Am I smart enough to do this? I can't leave my high school students. Is this really what God has in my plan?" All of these thoughts raced through my head. And then God seemed to make the decision for me by awakening me to his plan. So I lept (and yes it is a word), and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. (But I do miss my high school classroom, and all my wonderful students. I feel so blessed that each one of them inspired me to pursue this path.)
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9
When comparing, maybe faith isn't something as simple as a long jump or a sprint, maybe instead its more of a marathon. Something that takes time, dedication, and devotion. No one can immediately go run a marathon, but instead it is something that is trained for years in advance. All of us have points in our life where our faith is stronger and then we hit a plateau or lose a bit of our momentum. Yet God is always there as our coach to cheer us on. Yes, faith is one of those things that takes work. And surprisingly, the more we "practice" the more we want more. The faster we run a mile, the quicker we want to run the mile and go a greater distance. The more we engage in faith exercises the more we seek God's word. We are stronger and more courageous than before.
When we are faced with a running or leaping situation, we should seek the coaching of God. After all, our coaches are coaches for a reason. They have more experience and have been hired because of their credentials. God has those credentials to coach us in this game of life. He will make those situations that have us feeling vulnerable, scared, and unsure SAFE in addition to cheering us on. Allow him to lead you, but you must first seek Him and ask to be led or coached. Coach GOD, help me to become the best athlete in FAITH. What will your jersey say? Then about the great trophy... a life everlasting.
"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." -2 Timothy 1:7
I challenge you to gradually train and discipline your mind and body to practice your faith. Whether you add one station on your Pandora to "Hillsong" or decide to read your Bible two nights a week. Start small and gradually increase. Slow and steady wins the race, and every great athlete puts many hours into practicing. Faith takes practice, devotion, and determination. Be the determined athlete who wants to win the MVP of life everlasting. Put the running shoes to use for a marathon that enlists the coaching of God's word. Take the jump, knowing God's net is there to catch you.
"And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." -Romans 12:2
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! With a little patience, faith, and love all things can be accomplished! Hearts and Hugs to you!