Whilst I have had good results on the scales and my running is progressing, I have still been struggling in my head the past couple of days, questioning myself and whether the effort is worth it (yes I was a little tired)! This then makes me feel guilty, I should be thankful for the results I have received. I know it is going to be worth it and I just have to keep pressing on. I am already feeling more energy so why do I get those thoughts? I think I am scared to succeed, I have failed so many times before, the thought of actually being about to succeed is very foreign and doubts find their way in.
God knows my needs, is a discovery I make regularly, he meets them in many ways.....
In doing my devotional today I came across a really encouraging article about not giving up, there are no coincidences with God but it never ceases to amaze me that when I pick up a devotional at a particular time, the message is so relevant to the need I have at the time. So because of its relevance to my journey, I thought I would include it in my blog:-
In the world we live in, we are going to have all kinds of problems, frustrations and difficulties. That's just life. So knowing this, what do we do?
We must remain steadfast and persevere. In other words, the answer is never give up! No matter what's going on in our lives, the victory is in refusing to quit.
Keep in mind that in the heat of our struggles, the Holy Spirit is probably doing His greatest work within us. He is not moved by the circumstances. If you and I really trust Him, we shouldn't be either! He's not in our lives for good times only, but for the difficult times as well.
He will lead us through anything if we'll just hang in there and follow Him. This means being diligent in prayer, relentless in our resolve, unwavering in faith, and determined to stand firmly on God's Word and His promises to us.
So many times we can be sidetracked by how slowly things seem to be going. In fact, the enemy loves to point that out! But remember, that's when God may be doing some of His greatest work. You see, it's not all about you and me. The Lord's work in us is preparation for the work He wants to do through us!
I know life can be hard sometimes. But I also know that God will help us if we remain steadfast. Let's stand on Galatians 6:9: "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (NLT).
So let me ask that question again: What do we do? My answer is, never give up! What's your answer?
I too don't want to give up - is it easy, no it isn't. So many times I get impatient, I want all the results now not just small changes!! Because of this my mind again takes over!!!
Thoughts and words I use become so negative and destructive, I am constantly battling my mind. This is part of a message exchange that I had with someone who is already very good at running (also a whole lot younger than me) and has been providing some advice and tips regarding my running, my comment being - "I am so impatient I want to be good at it now (running) - it is embarrassing plodding like a half dead horse" (yes I really did feel like that)...the response I received was just so lovely and encouraging ...."It wont be embarrassing when you glide like a graceful gazelle, don't worry you will get there, and the longer it takes the better you'll feel when you get there". (the other amazing this is this response was received before the devotional above). Do you think God is trying to tell me something?
I have to say I struggle with the visual of myself looking graceful so had a bit of a giggle when I tried to imagine it - however my point is that receiving that type of encouragement is what we all need to continue on our journeys. Kind and encouraging words are so important in life's journey.
Too often I am quick to be negative to myself and those closest to me. I am praying I can turn that around and try to change my approach and use more kind and encouraging words rather than jumping to the negative. If I look over the past couple of weeks I can see many occasions where God has provided people to cross my path and encourage me, some in person, some through the blog, and others on the phone. At times it is overwhelming because it makes me feel so accountable to continue on the journey. I really have no excuses, the amount of support I need is there. Anyway I should be thinking even if all the support went away I still have the best cheerleader possible God!!! He will supply my needs, whether it be spiritual, physical or emotional, he is always there. God's love never Fails.
On reflection, God must have know these couple of days were going to be tough because there were a couple of other encouraging messages and clips I viewed on facebook. The song by Chris August - Center of It - (thanks Jill) is so appropriate - Christ is the centre of it -
"in the dark, in the light,
in the morning and night,
in the good, in the hurt,
in the places I hide,
when I rise, when I fall,
you'll be there through it all,
at the start, at the end,
in the center of, in the center of it.
There will be days I will forget everthing you've done for me
But when I go back there again
I'm reminded in the dark, in the light
in the morning, in the night ...."
This also reminded me that I already have Jesus love...
So...... I am NOT GIVING UP....I pray any reader who is struggling in whatever journey they are on that they too will turn to Jesus so that they don't give up also.
Have a great day......
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