Trust the Way God has For You

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NKJV

"This weekend I had the privilege of running the Bad Dawg Ultra. Ultras are never just about the finish line. They’re about the training no one sees, the people who show up for you, and the growth that happens along the way. With temps at 101° and a heat index of 114°, I fought as long as I could and walked away with 83.5 miles—my 2nd furthest distance ever." Those were the words Jennie Terflinger (my dear friend, fellow ultrarunner, and faithful sister in Christ) wrote after falling 16.5 miles shy of reaching her goal of completing 100 miles. After thanking her crew and pacers, Jennie then said,  "If you’ve ever wondered if you should try an event, my advice: jump in with both feet. I’d rather live life on the field than sit on the sidelines wondering what if. Thank you to everyone who followed along and cheered me on. Let’s keep chasing epic adventures together." 

"A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16:9 NKJV

I don't know about you but her post put a smile on my face for three reasons. First... she acknowledged that it was a privilege to run. If you know Jennie, that means she knows that all she has, all that she is, and all that she is able to accomplish is because of the grace of God in her life. Secondly, Jennie chose to praise God for what He allowed her to do, rather than becoming disheartened, and shared that it was her second farthest distance! And lastly, Jennie used the change in plans to encourage others rather than to discourage them, because Jennie ultimately understands that we plan our ways but it's the LORD that directs our steps. 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Now if this has you saying, "But Melissa, if Jennie is a faithful follower of Christ, why wouldn't God grant her prayer?" To this I would say, "I don't know." But this is what I do know, God's thoughts are not our thoughts and our ways are not His ways. In fact the Lord says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts." And this is what I also know, God causes ALL things to work TOGETHER for good to those who love Him and are called "according to His purpose." Did you get that HIS part? We are servants of the most High called to serve Him... according to His purpose and not our own. Which means we may not always understand His ways, but we are to always trust His ways.

So if the race of life isn't going as you planned today, take heart my friend. If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ, it will all work out. I can't tell you how it will or when it will... only that your circumstances will work together for your good and for His glory. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that your ways and your thoughts are so much higher and better than ours. Lord, when our plans don't work out as we think they should, help us to look to You and to trust that your plan is much better than ours. In light of that knowledge God, stir us up to continue seeking epic adventures that bring You glory whether we win or lose. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!