Don't settle

"If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River." Numbers 32:5

Mervyn (Merv) George Lincoln, deemed the "miler who was always second best", died at the age of 82 on April 30th. Records show that he ran a 3:55.9 mile on August 6, 1958 in Dublin. The time was 1.3 seconds faster than the world record, yet he finished second to Herb Elliott. He then again placed second to Elliott to take the silver medal in the Commonwealth Games later that same year. As the story illustrates, despite our best efforts, being second best is sometimes out of our control. But other times it's a choice we make.

Consider this, the tribes of Reuben and Gad had very large herds and flocks. On their way to the promised land, they traveled through the land of Gilead and Jazer and saw the lush pastures there. Upon that discovery, they said to Moses, "If we have found favor with you, please let us have this land as our property instead of giving us land across the Jordan River." They chose second best. They settled for what they saw in front of them rather than wait for the best that God had planned for them on the other side... the promised land. Sadly, you and I are no different though. How many times do we choose to settle for second best? Rather than wait for God to provide what we need, we go out and buy it on credit. Rather than wait for God to provide the perfect job, we take the first one we can find. Unfortunately that list could go on for eternity.

Do you see a pattern though? Throughout history man has been settling for less than what God wants to give. Wayne Stiles wrote, "God’s best for us seldom comes immediately. But it’s always worth the wait." The two tribes could have seen the promised land but they didn't 'want to wait' so they settled for second best. Today, may you and I make a choice to settle for nothing less than the best. 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for not only knowing what is best for us but for wanting to give us what is best. Help us to look beyond what's in front of us as we trust your plan for our lives. And please help us to sit and wait until you tell us to move. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen, 

Happy Running!!! 

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Chris Tomlin - I will follow

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ohvhmGSfxI