going in circles

(it's a conundrum.....)

Going in Circles

Runners and other outdoor exercise enthusiasts face an interesting decision each time they head out: whether to go “out and back” or loop in a circle. The out and back route allows for a change of scenery and far less monotony.  The circuitous route keeps you closer to the parking lot in the event it rains or you incur some sort of injury. Passing your car every so often creates temptation as well.  You think about how nice it would be to just stop and rest for a minute…you have to decide to keep going pretty much every time.  Going farther out takes the temptation off the table and requires you to test your faith in your abilities.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3

God often challenges us to move out of our comfort zone, to move farther from the familiar, farther from obvious support and out into the unknown.  We can’t count on friends and family to bail us out in a pinch.  We can’t just run back to the job or circumstances we left.  Instead we have God and God alone to depend on. It’s in these times that we are forced to have maximum faith. We remember where we began the journey and we understand the route we need to take.  And there is just no stopping until we get there.

Trust the plan and trust the planner!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 40