I'm just not feelin it today....

I'm just not feelin it today...

"And this is what God has testified:  He has given us eternal life, and the life is his Son.  So whoever has God's son has life; whoever does not have his Son does not have life.  I write this to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life." 1 John 5:11-13

About two months ago, I had a few days when I was just not feeling God's presence.  Since I count on Him to get me through the day... from small things to large, I was quite upset.  Not to mention that I was talking to Him and He wasn't talking back.  For those of you that know me, that's a long (and I mean long) one way conversation.  I've learned that there are always lessons in trials and I was never more grateful and humbled when I felt His presence again.

I must tell you my runs during that period were not joyful or enjoyable(actually, nothing in my life during that period was).  I love talking to God as I'm listening to my footsteps and the sounds around me.   I sometimes wonder if I would still run if I wasn't a Christian.  But, that's a story for another time.

Although I can't explain why, there are times when you too may not "feel" God's presence.  You may even be tempted to doubt that He has come into your life.  But 1 John 5:13 doesn't say "I write this to you who believe in the Son of God so that you may feel you have eternal life."  This is because feelings come and go.  They fluctuate (especially if you're female, right ladies?).  Nor does the bible say, "I write this to you so that you may hope- if God is in a really good mood-that you have eternal life."  It says, "so that you may know..."  Eternal life is yours!!  Stand on God's promise to you during those times when you're not "feelin it".  God promised it and I believe it.

So, whether you're feeling close to God today or far away, remember that the eternal life He gives is not based on feelings, but on facts.  I read a church sign one time that said, "If you feel like God is far away, guess who moved?".   There's a lot of truth in that.  Use your next run to examine your heart.  Have you moved?  If so, turn around quickly!!

If you aren't sure you are a Christian, ask yourself: "Have I honestly committed my life to Him as Savior and Lord?"  If so, know that this feeling will pass.  If you haven't, then there's no better time to give your life to Jesus than today!!

Simply say the following prayer:  Lord, forgive me of my sins.  I'm tired of carrying them around with me and I'm tired of living without you.  I ask that you come into my heart and life right now and run with me all the days of my life.  Thank for for your gift of eternal life.  In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.  

Then I saw your face and I was changed forever.   -Toby Mac