On Your Marks...Get Set...

...but don't GO just yet!!!

I think it's important to first decide what race you're running. A couple of years ago I was facing a big decision. If you don't know, I don't like decisions. It's probably just me being a chicken, because if someone else decides then it's not my fault if it turns out to be wrong. But moving on...

Gary and I were separated at the time and I had a babysitting opportunity come up. The details of this opportunity are not important now, but let's just say it was a very, very complicated situation.

So, I was faced with a BIG decision. I desperately wanted to do God's will. I desperately wanted to know what that was! I was stressed but I was in prayer.

And God did show me His will. But He did so much more than just show me what direction to take.

He taught me something about seeking His will.

Hebrews 12:1 says, "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."

He reminded me that this life is my race.

I Corinthians 9:24 says, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."

He reminded me that there was purpose in this race. Eternal purpose.

And then He asked me what race I was running!

I was trying to run a baton relay. I was anxious and searching. Looking for Him to show up with a baton to pass on to me. I wanted to make sure that it was from Him, I wanted to run the race He had set for me.

But.

I wanted to grab a baton and take off running. I'd seek His direction again if I came to a crossroads, but until then, just let me run!

He was waiting for me to join Him in a different race.

The three-legged race.

One step at a time.

And never without His lead.

That big decision was not a baton. It was a step.

And His will wasn't something to accept and then set out on my own to accomplish.

He will was for me to trust that He had a plan, a course, and then rely on Him with each and every step. His will was a race that involved an intimate relationship with Him.