Yes, You Can!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzw6A2WC5Qo&feature=youtu.be

Invincible ~ Skillet

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 ~ Hebrews 12:1 NIV

In recent months, my brother has been sharing his workouts on Facebook. On one hand, you might be annoyed by someone who posts every time they workout, while you do it without the glory. But on the other hand, you might find some inspiration. When you look closely at his pictures, you see that he’s surrounded by others who are just as sweaty--be it basketball or spin class. 

A few years ago, when I started running, Brad went with me, but he couldn't continue, and I had to decide if I was going to do it on my own. What I discovered was that I wasn’t alone. Hebrews 12 says, "We are SURROUNDED by a great cloud of witnesses." The witnesses are those who have gone before us, who've walked where we're walking, and who are cheering us on, from the very first trial all the way through to triumph! 

During my runs, there were many times I didn't think I could make one more step, certainly not another block. But it was in those times Holy Spirit said, "Yes, you can! Don't quit! Don't quit! Don't quit!" Each time I pushed through, I was so proud of myself for not quitting, because each time I went further than I thought I could. 

Today, I am not prepping for a run. Two months of migraines and vertigo really takes a toll. But even in the simplistic work out, even with a pinched nerve in my neck, I don't want to quit. I refuse to back down. And this is what we've been training for, a won't-back-down attitude. 

Since moving to Wisconsin 16 months ago, we've faced more disappointment, heartache, and trials than I care to recount. But God has also surrounded us. Every day, I am truly amazed and in awe of all God has done for us, brought us through, blessed us with, and the "won't-quit-won't-back-down" attitude He's built up within us.

I think it was John Bevere who said this season is the training ground for the next. Whatever hardship you may be walking through, today, remember, you're not alone. Listen as Holy Spirit encourages you, especially on the hard days, "Yes you can! Now, don't quit!" 

©Heather Potts 2018

Count the Cost

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it ~ Luke 14:28 NKJV

I dislike shoe shopping.

I have small feet and am very picky about how my shoes look and feel. But since I’ve taken up running, having properly fitting running shoes is a must. But I put it off… Until I saw that I had literally worn away the tread on my shoes. So I started shoe shopping, with no luck. Praise God my genius husband told me to research the best shoe for my strike and foot. I discovered that I strike on the ball (vs. heel) of my foot, likely from years of dancing. And my feet roll outward (vs. inward) as I step. There were 3 shoes that were best for me. I felt more confident knowing both the type and cost. And after the next shopping excursion, I came home with running shoes specifically designed for me.

The Bible says that before beginning anything new, it’s best to “count the cost,” determining what you’ll pay in money, time, and energy. Saying “yes” to something means saying “no” to something else. As you begin, ask “What is the cost, what is the benefit, and does the benefit outweigh the cost?” If the benefit doesn’t outweigh the cost, perhaps now isn’t the proper time to begin or take on this particular project. The cost in getting new shoes was high. But the benefit was a savings from one or more injuries, possibly medical expenses, fun time missed with my family, and lost wages if Brad had to miss work to care for me. In the end, the benefit far outweighed the cost of getting proper shoes.

What endeavors are you thinking of undertaking? What desires are you wanting to fulfill? Weigh the cost against the benefit and then seek godly counsel—especially God’s first and foremost. When you do, you’ll get the answer for both direction and timing.

©Heather Potts 2016

What It Needs

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. ~ James 1:5 NLT

When I started running, I quickly learned what my body needed. Some things were obvious, like stretching and hydrating, but not all things. I quickly learned that eating before running would make me sick. Maybe you’ve always been the athletic type and the things I learned through trial and error are obvious to you. Whether it’s in exercising or other areas, we won’t always have all the answers; we all need wisdom at some point.

1 Thessalonians 5 has some great wisdom:

Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part…Gently encourage the stragglers, and reach out for the exhausted, pulling them to their feet. Be patient with each person, attentive to individual needs…Look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out. Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens…Don’t suppress the Spirit, and don’t stifle those who have a word from the Master. On the other hand, don’t be gullible. Check out everything, and keep only what’s good. Throw out anything tainted with evil, (vv. 13-22, MSG).

How do we exercise the wisdom given? How can you be cheerful when your kids have poopy-painted their bedroom walls, toys, and bed? How do you thank God no matter what? This is where instruction and relationship meet. Just as watching how my body responded to my actions guided me through adjusting my habits, if we pay close attention to God’s leading, He will teach us how to follow His instructions. This isn’t a pass/fail test; it’s a relationship. His desire is for our success. If there’s something you need but can’t figure it out, ask God. He promises to give you the wisdom you need. So what do you need?

©Heather Potts 2016

Give It Everything

Give it everything you have, heart and soul. ~ Joshua 1:7 MSG

Several months ago, I wrote a devotional called “More.” In essence, it’s the constant battle between opposing forces. For example, when Peter stepped out of the boat to move toward Jesus, there were more opportunities for him to drown, but there was also the possibility that he’d walk on water. When David approached the battle line to fight Goliath, there were more opportunities for him to be slaughtered and the Israelites to become slaves, but there was also the possibility that he’d kill the giant.

The truth is, we won’t know the possibility of success until we try and give it everything. When I ran my 5K in December, I didn’t push myself due to a myriad of reasons, and I ran my slowest pace ever. While it was still fun, I was disheartened by my time. A couple weeks ago, Holy Spirit said to give it everything, to push myself and hold nothing back. I walked a 5K much faster than I ran it back in December. 

We won’t know what God can do in and through us until we give Him everything, holding nothing back.

Fear will always be present, because the enemy will always be present. The question is: what will you do with the fear? Will you allow it to paralyze you, completely stopping you from doing the very thing you long to do? Will you allow it to amputate you, decreasing your impact by choosing a “safer” route? Will you allow it to deter you, steering you away from your promised land for the next 40 years? Or will you use it to propel you, catapulting you to the very place and in front of the very people that God wants you to impact for His glory?

How much will you give God?

©Heather Potts 2016

Racing Stripes, part 2

But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31 NLT

Racing Stripes not only help the driver, but they also help the fans to identify each race car.  Your identity is everything: “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed,” (Proverbs 29:18 MSG).  When you don’t know your identity—your specific purpose—you may fall into the trap of trying to pursue someone else’s because it looks easier, better, more fun, etc.  But this only leads to frustration, failure, pain, and wasted time and energy.

Having your identity intact—knowing who you are and your purpose—is like having wings which allow you to not just run, but soar over the finish line and beyond!  Knowing what you are running toward, the reasons why you’re enduring the temporary pain pushes you to go the distance when you’ve got burning pain in your legs, helps you to forge ahead when your whole body wants to quit, and encourages you to keep going when everything is fighting against you.

You are adopted as a son or a daughter of the King.  You have been robed in Righteousness.  You are redeemed, called by name, and you are God’s (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:5; Ps 45:9; Isaiah 61:10, 43:1).

Ask your Father to paint you in His racing stripes—His intended purpose for your life.  Soak in His love and enjoy being His: His son, His daughter.

©Heather Potts 2016

Racing Stripes

Growing up on the YMCA swim team meant swim meets every weekend and hundreds of bored kids waiting for their next heat. So we entertained ourselves… We gave ourselves racing stripes, writing “Eat My Wake” and other cheers on our legs with black magic marker.  Racing stripes were originally applied to race cars to help the driver realign his spun-out car.  During my semester of rest, God gave me several scriptures to realign my focus on Him when my mind felt like it was spinning out of control.  But my two main scriptures or racing stripes were Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and Hebrews 12:1-2, “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

Running is hard work!  My legs would hurt, my feet would ache, my arms would feel tired because I was often pushing one or both girls in our double stroller.  But through it all, I would strap on my racing stripes, keep my “finish line” fixed ever before me in my mind and push through.  Whether I was physically running a route, or just running to be closer to my God, to know my Father in a deeper, more intimate way, my racing stripes kept me focused, and allowed me to “throw off” everything that tried to stop me.

What are some of the things that are trying to stop you from pursuing your Father and His purposes for your life?  Strap on your racing stripes—your promises from Father God—and run hard, straight into His loving embrace!

© Heather Potts 2016

Changing Your Mind

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:13 NKJV

Newton’s First Law of Motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion…unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.  The mind can either be at rest or it can be busy at all times.

My mind was in perpetual motion, constantly worried about something. Although things were being taken care of, I was never able to rest. But a wise friend suggested a semester of rest—to stop working and just rest in my Father’s love for me.  That was hard to do.  I was a “doer” and in the midst of the chaos, my identity got caught up in “doing” instead of being…

When I was first told to run as a way to alleviate stress, I really disliked it, but I quickly discovered that running was the unbalanced force my mind needed to shift from doing to resting.  But the enemy was aware of this and began to flood my mind with constant lies, “You’ll never be able to do this.  You’re too tired. You can’t do this.”  Over and over I heard in my head, “I can’t! I can’t! I can’t!”  But then something amazing happened: I opened my mouth and said, “I can! I can! I can!”  Throughout that whole day, and every time after when I felt something come against me, I would open my mouth and say, “I can!”

What has the enemy been saying you can’t do? Refute his lies by saying out loud, “I can!”

©Heather Potts 2016

Run w Perseverance

You shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD will name. ~ Isaiah 62:2 NKJV

I’ve always hated running.

Last September, however, a friend suggested running as a great way to improve my overall mental, emotional, and physical health.  Though I protested, she told me to do it anyway.  A few days later, after running 2 blocks, I felt like I was going to die! 

On October 10, while attending the Daughters of the King conference, Jennifer Nock, referencing Isaiah 62:2, shared how God changed Sarai and Abram to Sarah and Abraham in order to replace the works of their hands with His power to fulfill His promised purpose. That night, God promised to call me by my new name.

By late October, I was running ¾ mile and got talked into running in the Jingle 5K, beginning my official training on October 24.  But on the 26^th, everything was working against me: both girls were throwing tantrums, I couldn’t find clean running clothes, and I felt like I had a UTI.  Finally, I said, “I’m going anyway!” I found clothes that would do, put the girls in the double stroller, drank plenty of water and away I went.  Near the end of my run, I heard Holy Spirit say I am “one who perseveres.”  He called me by my new name! He called me by His promised purpose for me!  But I wanted to know more, so I asked Him to reveal scripture that went with my new name. He led me to Hebrews 12:1-2, “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

God has a promised purpose for each of us. In this new year, let's be determined to never stop running after God and He’ll never stop amazing us!

©Heather Potts 2016