I'm a Runner who Perseveres

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRi_4-Qfq2U&list=RDSRi_4-Qfq2U&start_radio=1

Believer ~ Rhett Walker

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, fixing our eyes on Jesus … ~ Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

I’m a runner who perseveres.

I’m not a quitter.

It’s not in my blood, because it’s not in HIS!

Everyone has an identity: what they see and believe to be true about themselves. Father God sees your identity as defined by who you are in Him. When God calls you by name, revealing your identity in Him, it changes you. It changes the way you think and act but doesn’t make the road easy. But just as not all roads are smooth, neither are they all bumpy. If you drive through our city streets, you’ll find some newly paved roads, some with patched potholes, and some with potholes big enough to swallow a small child. As you grow in your relationship with God, you’ll begin to see yourself the way He sees you.

Your identity is written throughout scripture, and for everyone who overcomes, God has a new name written on a white stone that is shared between you and He, (Revelation 2:17). Five years ago, when I began seeking the name God had for me, some friends shared their names. Beloved and Victorious were among them, with each name being as unique as the recipient. On October 26, 2015, God called me His “one who perseveres.” Within a few days, He gave me the accompanying scripture, Hebrews 12:1-2.

Your identity – the truth you believe about yourself – helps you push ahead or causes you to fall back, to get up again or stop trying. Your pastor, teachers, parents, and friends will help to shape your identity. However, only Jesus is the source of your strength, courage, and true identity.

I’m a runner who perseveres.

Who are you?

©Heather Potts 2020

The Pause

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNHqD-t7VHI

Where I Belong ~ Cory Asbury & Anna Asbury

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house;
They will still be praising You. Selah

~ Psalm 84:4 NKJV

Confession: Usually when I see “Selah” in the Psalms, I barely glance at it and keep going. What if I didn’t? What if I did what it said? Selah means, “rest, silence, pause,” indicating to the singer of the Psalms that his/her voice should be silent while the music continues. What if, instead of rushing through God’s Word, I paused where it indicated?

The Selah’s purpose is for the listener, though the instruction is to the singer. The pause gives a chance for thought and reflection. We live in such an instant messenger world, that we expect the revelation and answer to come lickety-split. Seldom do we take the time to just enjoy the silence, giving pause to our days, to listen to, reflect on, and ponder what the Lord has to say.

I don’t know about where you live, but here, many traditional summer activities have been canceled and remain closed. While it’s frustrating and hard on the kids, perhaps this is a perfect time to take that pause. Selah is a brief, silent note – not forever, not even all day – just a moment to sit still and listen to what the Lord speaks when you pause.

Selah

©Heather Potts 2020

Chapters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUc86gfzToU

All In ~ Matthew West

 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

 I love a good action novel, but if the plot takes longer than 5 pages to get moving, I may not keep reading. I know I have high demands. A few years ago, I read an intense series, and as each chapter closed and the next began, I didn’t want to put the book down. However, that often led to forcing myself to close the book at midnight, which made for a hard early start the next morning. I’ve enjoyed reading that author’s – and similar authors’ – books. Our lives are crafted by the greatest Author. Why, then, do we fight to change chapters when He’s clearly compelling us forward?

 I’ve been facing a chapter change in my life – no, it’s not turning 40 in a few weeks – and it’s been difficult to let the old chapter close. But it’s necessary, in order to fully embrace the next. I have friends who are facing chapter changes in their lives, some for career changes, others are moving, and still others are considering permanently homeschooling.  I wonder if they are having a hard time changing chapters, too?

 There was a time in my life that I allowed fear to immobilize me, keeping me from the joy and beauty the next chapter held. Though the next chapter is different from the previous – sometimes different feels a bit scary – I don’t want that to stop me. Instead, I want to be “all in,” giving my heart fully to this new adventure. After all, God said, “Fear not, [there is nothing to fear], for I am with you… (Isaiah 41:10 AMPC).

 If you’re facing a chapter change in your life, do not be afraid. If God called you to it, then remember His promises to be with and help you through it. Don’t let fear hold you back. Instead, decide to be “all in”!

©Heather Potts 2020