Thoughts are powerful

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23

While talking with a dear friend a few weeks ago about my upcoming 100 mile race (that is now happening tomorrow) and what it takes to complete an endurance event of this kind, we discussed the obvious intense physical training that was necessary but agreed that the battle was ultimately either won or lost in the mind. In his words, "The longest and hardest distance you will ever cross is the five-and-a-half inches between your ears." And you know what? It's true. As Henry Ford once said, "If you think you can, or think you can't-you're right." 

The psalmist understood this to be true as well when he urged his readers to "above all else, guard your heart.." And why take the precautions to protect the heart and mind more so than anything else? Because the condition of your mind-whether it be pessimistic or optimistic, focused on Christ or focused on your problems or discomfort-determines "everything" that "you do" and everything that you don't do. You see, your mind has the power to motivate you to press on through trials to achieve great victory or to dishearten and discourage you to surrender and accept defeat. Your thoughts are just that powerful. 

So no matter what you're facing today, whether it be a tough race, a hopeless situation or just the pressures of the day, remember to watch over your heart and mind with the utmost diligence by guarding what goes into it and what goes out of it. Fill it with the truth and knowledge that comes from the Word and take captive and remove every thought that is contrary to it. That, my friend, is the only way to reach the finish line. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that the devil is out to seek and destroy us. Help us to remember that our thoughts are many times what satan will use to make us doubt what we can do through You and for You. And then help us to stand firm and fight the good fight knowing that through You, all things are possible. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!

Victory - Third Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5PHqan-lg8