give it up

"Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall." Psalm 55:22

Jemima Sumgong, 31, of Kenya, was running a fast and consistent race keeping up with the lead pack for over 21 miles. Things were going well. But then at mile 22, out of nowhere, she was unexpectedly tripped up from behind by a competitor and came crashing down to the road (along with two other runners). Within seconds though, Sumgong, holding her head where she scraped the pavement, got back on her feet, back on pace and won the 2016 London Marathon Sunday. She later said, "I was never worried after falling. It was very painful, but I just tried to get back with the group as soon as possible.”

What a metaphor for life. At one time or another, when things seem to be going well, something unexpected will bring us crashing down. It could be a death, divorce, illness, financial disaster or any number of things. Christians are not insulated from the perils of this life and sometimes our problems can be more than we can bear. But you and I don't have to carry these burdens ourselves. The bible tells us that we are to give them to the Lord-those cares, worries and millstones that weigh down on us so heavily that we don't think we will ever get back up. And when we do that, we have this amazing promise, "and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

So you see, in order to get back up we have to first give it up. We have to rid ourselves of the things that weigh us down. And then, through Christ we can rise up in victory knowing that, in the words of Rocky Balboa, "Every champion was once a contender who refused to give up."

Heavenly Father, today we thank you for your promise to take our burdens that weigh us down. Today, Lord, may we have a renewed desire to live our lives to bring you glory. We know that can't be done if we are carrying our doubts, worries and past hurts around with us. So today, we give them to you and we move forward knowing that you will not let us slip and fall. Thank you Lord for taking care of us. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!
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Get back up - Toby Mac

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyLnhn-IATk