Romans 7:18 I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. (NIV)
Ephesians 3:14-20 14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…
His power. How often do we really think about His power and all He is capable of doing? And that we are unable to do this life alone.
Last weekend, I got to visit with my dear friend who is in the process of adopting a precious 7-year-old girl. As I spent time with them, you could just tell they were meant to be together…even though 7 years of the little girl’s life have already come and gone without her new mom. My friend shared with me how the two of them shared many of the same likes and dislikes. She told me of random items she had collected for no apparent reason over the years…and now her little girl is gravitating to them and LOVING them. They were kept for her…God knew.
As long as I can remember, my friend has wanted to be a mom. She has longed for the day to have her own child. God knew that desire. He knew she would mom to this 7-year-old. He was preparing the way many years ago as she started collecting these items. (We were roommates in college and after…so I can attest to the many thing we BOTH collected over the years.) His power! He knew and He answered her in a way she never dreamed until recently. He was working His mighty plan all along. How awesome is our God???
Awesome enough to send His son to die for us and save us by grace! Awesome enough to be our strength when we can’t be our own. Awesome enough to love us through the storms of life and seasons of life.
He is so awesome that He wants His best for us…not our best. Our best can’t even compare! But how often do we try to do it with our own power and not allow Him in to work? All the time!!! We need to step back and get out-of-the-way.
Now to the running…
Change…As we enter the season of Fall we think about things passing on and renewal coming in the spring. Every year the season is different. The length of the days vary. Fall stretches into Winter…where we see it all fade away.
Change – That is what I think about with Fall being here. The change of the weather. The change of the colors. I love Fall. This is racing season…the crisp weather makes for fun and fast 5ks and 10ks. I am ready to run. But, one change I am dealing with during this season of my life is the diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis. Yuck! Thankfully, I have a runner friendly doctor. I also have a runner-friendly treatment plan. I get to run. I just have to run less and not as hard. This is my change. This is my season.
So, as I sit back and contemplate where I am…I have to think about why I am here. Hmmm….I cannot carry this out on my own power…I need His help!
My sister and I have had this discussion recently because of her present life experiences. We talked about crying out to God during these times. It dawned on me that we do draw closer during these times of change…we rely on Him more. And guess what? That is right where He wants us.
Psalm 34.18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
James 1.2-4…2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
He wants us to love Him and spend time with Him…He wants us…all of us!!! He wants us in all seasons of life…good and bad.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 1For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…
Whatever your time is right now, turn to God and allow Him to be the power you need to carry you through to the other side…then stay right by His side where He wants you!
Running blessed!
Update on Boston: I am due to find out if I was accepted by the charity at the end of this month. Yay! They would be crazy not to take me, right? :o)
My blog has a new address: www.thenextmailboxboston.com
thenextmailboxboston 