“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion – to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.” Isaiah 61:1-3
Yesterday I spent the morning standing out in the rain cheering on my husband and son as they ran from zombies for three miles straight (in the rain).
Now, I’m not a huge fan of zombies in general. However, somebody’s got to play the bad guy so that the good guys have someone to fight and win against, right? I mean what good author worth their salt would write a story without an enemy of some sort? No one would read it!
By the end of the 5k yesterday my boys were cold, wet and tired with smiles plastered all over their faces. They had the time of their lives ducking and dodging those ghoulish creations together. And I think that’s the key factor right there, they did it together. As father and son they survived the zombie apocalypse together, side by side, running the race of life. As a mother and wife, I couldn’t have been prouder. I can’t even begin to tell you how many times I heard, “That was so much FUN!” yesterday afternoon.
Last night I thanked God for the memories we made and I wept in pure gratitude. In the end, that’s what we take with us to heaven. We don’t take money or possessions. We don’t take our house or our cars. We take memories and people, that’s it.
Right now, there is something in your life that feels like it’s chasing you down and trying to devour you; and you’re not just running to finish the race, you’re running to get away from that “thing” too. But you’re not running alone. You’re never as alone as you feel. Your Father is running right there next to you, step by agonizing step. He’s cheering you on and pulling you through. But it’s not just Him either. You see we also have this great cloud of witnesses, as Paul calls it. They’re the ones that have gone on before us and are watching our race from heaven. They’re up there cheering harder and louder than we could ever imagine. Just like spectators at a race, they’re straining their necks to see the first glimpse of your face as you come around the corner into the home stretch.
You may be tired and dirty, but you’re still there, still running, still working your way toward the finish line. You haven’t given up, and that’s what counts. It’s not about how many times you fall; it’s about how many times you get up. It’s not about where you finish, it’s THAT you finish. And every single step of the way, your Father is there, running with you, keeping pace right beside you, helping you finish with your head held high and a smile on your face.
Keep running the race marked out for you my friend. You’re not alone as you feel. We’re with you all the way.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the people; but the LORD will arise upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.” Isaiah 60:1-3
Tamar Knochel 