Trusting God's Plan
You're not supposed to win. That's a hard truth to swallow, especially in a culture that celebrates success and achievement. But what if I told you that the Christian journey isn't about winning or losing, but about trusting in God's plan?
What Scripture Says
The Bible is full of references to running and racing, but one verse that stands out is — "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, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." This passage isn't about winning a prize or achieving a goal; it's about staying committed to our walk with God.
I'll be honest, I've struggled with this concept. I've always been a bit of a perfectionist, and the idea of not winning or achieving some kind of success is hard for me to swallow. But the more I read and study Scripture, the more I realize that it's not about me or my achievements — it's about honoring Him in every aspect of my existence.
A Historical Perspective
If we look at the history of the Christian church, we see that it's not always been easy. There have been times of persecution, hardship, and struggle. But even in the midst of those difficulties, believers have found a way to press on, fueled by their trust in God. Take, for example, the story of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch woman who survived a concentration camp during World War II. Her story is one of incredible faith and resilience, even in the face of unimaginable hardship. She didn't achieve any great success, but she remained steadfast, her heart rooted in a deep conviction that God was with her.
It's interesting to note that the early Christian church didn't have the same concept of success that we do today. They weren't concerned with building big churches or attracting large crowds; they were concerned with living out their convictions in a way that was authentic and meaningful. They understood that following Jesus is a long, difficult journey that requires endurance and a willingness to surrender to His will.
What It Means Today
So what does it mean to trust in God's plan in our modern world? We learn to lean into the unknown, even when things don't make sense. We keep moving forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain, and we find our strength in the example of Jesus. I think about this when I'm out for a run — and I'm not much of a runner, but I try to get out there a few times a week. It's hard, especially when the weather is bad or I'm not feeling well. But I've learned to pace myself, to take it one step at a time, and to find my rhythm in the stillness of the morning. Similarly, in our daily struggles, we can't do it on our own, but we can draw on the wisdom of those who have gone before us, and find the courage to keep going.
And let's be real — it's not always easy. There are days when I feel like giving up, when the struggles and hardships seem too much to bear. But then I think about Hebrews 11, the whole chapter — it's like a roll call of faith, a list of people who stood firm in their conviction, even when things didn't make sense. They didn't all achieve great things, but they stayed committed to their trust in God, and their stories inspire me to do the same. Like the time I spent a weekend at a friend's farm, and we had a conversation about the struggles of farming — the unpredictable weather, the long hours, the uncertainty of it all. My friend looked at me and said, "You know, it's not about controlling the outcome; it's about showing up every day, and doing the work." That's what it means to walk with God — showing up, doing the work, and leaving the rest to Him.
So here's what I want to leave you with: make a small move today. Just a tiny gesture of trust. It doesn't have to be a big leap, just a slight shift in your perspective. Let go of your need for control, and see where that takes you. You don't have to have it all figured out; you don't have to know what the future holds. Just take another small step forward, and let the peace of God guide you.
