Slow Mo: Overcoming a Rough Childhood – Thursday
James 1:2
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds. (NIV)
When I was in the 6th grade, I decided to join the track team at school. I was not athletic at all and I was a little on the chunkier side. So to everyone’s surprise, I decided to run hurdles. I set up obstacles and practiced at home, I practiced after school. I was determined to be the best hurdler the school had ever seen.
When my first track meet finally arrived, I was ready. I waited at the starting line with all the other hurdlers and when the gun went off, I took off. I cleared the first hurdle with ease. The 2nd hurdle clipped my foot and made me stumble a little. The 3rd hurdle hit hard and almost knocked me down. I ran straight through all the rest of them not even attempting to jump. In hindsight, there are two things I would have done differently. First… running through the hurdles wasn’t the best idea. Secondly… I wouldn’t have stopped after the last hurdle… about 15 yards from the finish line.
The reality is we all have obstacles in our paths on a daily basis. Some are more minor than others. Maybe you had a flat tire on the way to work or your kids were fighting the whole car ride to church. Others might be more major: a death; a diagnosis; job loss; or a traumatic experience. Because God was with Moses, he was able to overcome those obstacles. He overcame adoption, abandonment, slavery, and eventually murder. Moses was able to put his trust and faith in God’s plan. He knew that as long as he followed Him, there’s no obstacle too big that can’t be overcome.
As you encounter obstacles today (and this week), give them to God. Let Him carry you over them. And in the process, give Him thanks for helping you through all of life’s hurdles. The obstacles aren’t going to go away, but He will guide and lead you through them. Or… you can follow my example and just try to run through them on your own. But I caution you, it’s not as fun, you might get tripped up, you’re going to end up with a lot of very painful bruises and you might not even make it to the finish line in one piece.
Thursday’s Reflection
Today make a list of the challenges you are currently facing. Write them down and then one-by-one give them to God. Ask for his help and his perspective in dealing with each one. Then let them go.