Slow Down, friend.

Being obedient can also look like taking time to worship God instead of continuing on your way. I'm sure you're wondering what I mean by that right now, friend, so I’ll give you an example. 

I almost wanted to write: "Recently I had a lot on my mind", but the truth is that I always have a lot on my mind. Often, even when I don't really have time for it, I like to drop everything to go for a walk. I listen to worship, sing along loudly and praise God in the great outdoors. This fills me with new joy and strength every time.

On this particular day I hadn't noticed where I was going, and ended up in the middle of the closed-off area of a half marathon. As the sweaty runners now raced past me, I thought, "Man, I'm really lame compared to this." 

Right then, God's love nudged me and showed me the truth! In my heart, I understood Him to say, "Déborah, these runners may be going fast, but by the time they reach their destination, they are completely exhausted. They may be cheered on along the way, which encourages them to keep running, but they are running only for themselves. It is much more important to Me that you run for ME and stay strong in the long run, even if that means going slower because you are taking your time with Me. You may not have anyone cheering you on along the way, but you can be sure that I will be waiting for you at the finish line, ready to embrace you."

friend, that's exactly what He wants you to know: God doesn't care how fast we run, but how firmly we believe!

He desires for you to reach the finish line with Paul's words in your heart, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV)

Will you drop everything for a moment today and spend time with Him?

You are a miracle!