I miss my younger years of running, biking, and swimming. It brought stress relief, physical fitness, and a sense of accomplishment. It also brought overuse injuries, eventually culminating in this current season of waiting. Waiting on recovery from injuries, surgeries, and chronic pain.
As I reflect on what that means for me as follower of Christ and how I want to grow in this period of watchfulness, I find this process to be one of developing in patient endurance, much like physical training instilled.
“And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope.” Romans 5:3-4 HCSB
It is a great challenge to find myself in the midst of one surgery or injury after another. My flesh would never consciously choose the path of hardship followed by more hardship, but as one who seeks to glorify God through these storms, I land on a few important principles by which to live.
1. I will not let Satan steal my joy and waste the opportunity for growth.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4 ESV
2. I will not act on the temptation to isolate myself, losing out on the benefits of community.
“Each one of us must please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Romans 15:2 HCSB
We are called to build up the body and lift up each other; this is what life in community is all about.
3. I will not stagnate spiritually but will actively engage in spiritual practices which keep me in communion with God.
“…since you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self. You are being renewed in knowledge according to the image of your Creator.”
Colossians 3:9b-10 HCSB
Prayer, meditation, study of God’s Word, scripture memorization and meeting with fellow believers will keep me from navel-gazing and lift my eyes to eternity. Walking in the Spirit is about seeking Him in my day to day life so that my focus remains heavenward.
“Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 HCSB
Are you seemingly in a holding pattern? Don’t waste this God-given opportunity to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.🚦
#stoplightdevotionals #devotionsforwomen #trials #storms #endurance #patientendurance #walkinginspirit
Stoplight Devotionals 