I began an inspiring new study this week – Restless, by Jennie Allen, the passionate author of Anything and the Bible studies Stuck and Chase. It’s a timely study that’s taken me by surprise. For the first time in years, I’m a participant rather than the facilitator, and while I know it’s just for a season, it’s already been uplifting.
Hooking up with a few ladies from church, including fellow storytellers Sharon (HikingTowardHome.com) and JoMama (BloomWhereIAmPlanted.com) was exactly what this mess needed.
“You were made for more.”
Jennie Allen
I found myself wondering, Lord, what was I made for? Then I read this passage.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
Run.
Your.
Race.
The words stuck. They were like a drum echoing in my ear.
Run. The truth is, sometimes I’m not running, I’m walking. Better still, I’ve stopped all together. Things like fear, doubt, and discouragement slow me down, and pride, offense or rebellion stop me dead in my tracks. Sin in my heart and lies from the enemy will keep me from fulfilling Gods purpose, but a pure heart, one that’s full of faith, and His truth, keeps me moving in the right direction. His.
We weren’t created to stand still. Life is a journey, and we’re not on it alone. We were made to pursue God with intentionality and purpose while we run.
Your. My race isn’t the same as yours. I have a different background, different gifts, and different talents. If I’m not careful, I can get tripped up by looking at your race rather than my own. I need to run the race that was marked out for me, and run it with perserverance.
Race. Every race has a finish line, and that finish line is Jesus. By fixing our eyes on Him, we can be sure to finish it well. There will be trials, but we’re not running alone, and we’re not running in vain.
I was made for more than sitting on the sidelines or meandering through life, and so were you. He’s not called us to be spectators; He’s called us to be runners, pursuing Him passionately with purpose and joy, as we use our gifts for His glory, inspiring others to do the same.
Restless is a timely study all right, because I’ve been restless for more. More of Him. Less of me. A life of purpose. More doesn’t have to mean a big paycheck or being a household name. It means living the life that I’m called to live, and not settling for less.
How about you? What are you restless for?
Father,
Thank you for the race You’ve set before me. May I run it with wild abandon in pursuit of You, because without You, I am hopeless. Without You, I cannot finish, but with my eyes fixed on You, I will finish it well.
In Jesus Name.
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