Don't let the enemy keep you up at night

"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1 NIV

Heartbreak for Grant Fisher as He Narrowly Misses Medals—Again" was the headline to the story detailing Grant's disappointment posted on July 26 by Runner's World. Going into the meet, Fisher, 25, was one of the best hopes for the U.S. in the men’s distance races on the track. He was fifth in the 10,000 meters at the Olympics in Tokyo last year, exceeding expectations. In March, he set the American record in the event, running 26:33.84. For this meet, Fisher had made no secret of his desire for a medal, and he had two realistic chances to do it. But he leaves empty-handed. Jerry Schumacher, the head coach of BTC, later had a few things to say about his athlete. Fisher was ready to medal, Schumacher said. “It’s a tough one,” he said. “He did everything right, and it just didn’t come together at the end.” The coach points out that fourth in the 10,000 and sixth in the 5,000 adds up to “an incredible world championships. He shows he can run with the best in the world.” But would this race keep him up at night? “Oh yeah,” Schumacher said. “For sure.”

And you know, when it comes to things that can keep us up at night, pondering over past regrets on things we wish we would have done or things we wish we would not have done would be at the top of most people's list. Thankfully though, while you and I can't go back in time and undo the sins we participated in that now cause us to feel sad and remorseful, there is one thing we can and should do each time those memories threaten to rob us of a good night's rest. And that's to say this to the enemy, the devil, who is the one who tries to weigh us down with guilt by bringing these thoughts up, "Get lost! 'There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.' I am forgiven. I am free. And I'm going to bed." 

So no matter what you've done in the past my friend, if you have put your faith in Jesus and repented of your sins, those sins are forgiven as far as the east is from the west. Remember that, so the next time the enemy threatens to keep you up at night lamenting over your past transgressions, you can put him in his place and rest peacefully so you can wake up with the energy to hit the ground running in service to the Lord. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that when we choose to follow You, our sins are washed away by the blood Jesus shed on the cross for us. Lord help us to truly understand this so we would not waste even one moment allowing our past regrets to rob us of our ability to serve You now knowing that You will use all that we have been through to minister to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!