Have you ever watched beauty pageants? I sure did, especially as a kid. I loved the triumphant moment, after the anticipation dissipated upon the announcement of the declared winner. How as the crown was placed upon the head of the new reigning queen, tears burst forth.
I love moments where dreams come true. Hope is answered. And, victory is obtained. Where aspirations are evident...that moment where what was only a distant dream becomes reality.
This morning, as I ventured through my normal day to day routine, I listened to my favorite song...I Will Rise, by Chris Tomlin.
Tears burst from my eyes, upon hearing the lyrics, "There's a day that's drawing near, when this darkness turns to light, the shadows disappear, and my faith shall be my eyes..."
Faith overwhelmed my circumstances. Strength grew despite my weakness. As the truth of what I hope for settled in my soul. Friends, there is a hope far glorious than any beauty pageant aspiration...far greater than worldly wealth or successful accomplishment...ONE DAY...we will see the evidence of our faith...darkness will turn to light...all shadows...death...pain...suffering...disappointments...will disappear and our faith will be our eyes. We will see JESUS!
The Apostle Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, "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." (NIV)
Today, once again, I am resolved to run after GOD and HIM alone. To pursue Him. To follow where He leads. To relinquish my plans in exchange for His. To NOT get caught up in ideologies of success but to remain obedient, trusting GOD NO MATTER WHAT.
We are NOT alone. God will never leave us or forsake us. Hold fast to His promise found in Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)
Take time to remember WHO it is you serve...WHO it is you believe in...and in light of that...stand firm and be encouraged, remembering...no matter your difficulty...no matter your obstacle...YOUR STORY isn't finished yet.
Until next week, I'm Julie Gorman, reminding you to dream big, laugh often, knowing God's got it all under control. :)
Excellent post, Julie! What a blessing! It is so wonderful to know that when we think we can't go on, God is there to hold us up and catch us when we fall!
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers,
ReplyDeleteandrea
Julie just what I needed to read and remember...you even used the scripture from Isaiah that the Lord spoke to me years ago when I was just saved...he said "Be not dismayed" so I had to run to a christian friend and find out where that was in the bible and only later did I find that it meant don't be anxiously looking about! Thanks so much for reminding me.
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