Just a little bit more… Day 10

I was running…walking…suffering… enjoying nature at the Cliffs of the Neuse today.  It is an incredible day to be outside.  This type of day rarely happens in January.  It actually doesn’t happen that often in Eastern NC because it is usually hot or cold, not as much in between.  This is an in between type of day.  And it is a day to enjoy.  As I was making my way through the trails, I passed a couple of ladies and offered a hello.  They asked how I was and I asked the same.  At first, they said they were doing ok, then one woman said she lied, they were exhausted.  I told them not too much to go, to hang in there.  

They truly were only about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot (if they parked in that particular lot).  It was almost visible.  But a quarter of a mile can seem like a lot when you are exhausted and you don’t see the finish line.  I can relate –  when I would run races and people would tell me I was almost there and I still had 6 miles to go.  6 miles in the whole scheme of things may be minor.  But 6 miles when you are ready to be done feels like a lifetime.  It’s all about perspective.

It is hard to keep going when you don’t see any reprieve.  When you don’t know when this particular situation will end or at least get better, it can be overwhelming and defeating.  We really often want to quit right before we see the finish line.  We really want to throw in the towel when we just can’t see any resolution.  

That’s when we need to trust.  It is in these times trust becomes the only solution (because quitting can’t be).  Trust in what or who though?  For me, it is trust in God to carry me through to the moment I can take a break.  It is trust that God will guide me to the finish line (and maybe even drag me along if needed).  It is trust in God to know where the breakthrough will happen, even when I cannot see it ahead.  Trust really shows up when I cannot see the solution or the end for myself.  And that’s when trust counts.

It is easy to say I trust God.  But it is something entirely different to trust him when I cannot see the finish line. Whether it is a quarter of a mile or 5 years, I have to trust God will get me there.  Otherwise, I could end up quitting right before the breakthrough.  

May you trust, especially when the finish line is out of your view.

Proverbs 3, “⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.”