One of the benefits of running for me is that one hour am afforded away from the humdrum of my busy days on Main Street. I get transported into an almost transcendental state. I pray. I meditate. I worship. I actually sometimes get startled when I come to, and see the road ahead of me.“I feel like my life is a movie that’s almost over, and I haven’t even bought the popcorn yet.”That’s what was on my mind this morning as I run; the words of a middle-aged businessman, just like me. I had a long sobering conversation with him yesterday. After being waterboarded by bad news after bad news, he is deciding to pull the parachute cord. “I don’t want to have to wait too long,” he confided in me. “I don’t want to crash into the trees.”When you have come to the end of yourself, and the odds are stacked up against you, what do you do?Towards the end of my run, the words of an old hymn came rushing in: “When we have exhausted our store of endurance / When our strength has failed ere the day is half done / When we reach the end of our hoarded resources / Our Father’s full giving is only begun.”When we are walking the dark lonely streets, when we question what “this” is all about (insert what that is for you), our generous God affords us His inexhaustible reserves of courage, and the wherewithal to do His will where He has called us.PS. You can cash that promissory note at your local bank.
August 12, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Deep message once again Zik ❣??????
August 12, 2021 at 2:08 pm
I got to the end of my teether and surrendered. Sometimes, even being hopeful is exhausting.
August 12, 2021 at 2:08 pm
Belinda Namutebi – ondaba that is the state I have been in lately. But daily God brings small rays of sun to remind me that He has helped me overcome worse before and He is going to do even greater
August 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm
A powerful reminder. There were times when I would even have nothing to say to God, and I’d just tell God that, that I have nothing to say. Thanks for this message Jacob
August 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Belinda, you put in words what my friend could not articulate: Hope can exhaust – the irony! Zoe, even when we are too tired to tell God we are exhausted, He understands. Imagine that! I like Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of Matthew 11:28; “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out..? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” God’s invitation that is too powerful to resist!
August 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm
Jacob Zikusooka Exactly. Thank you.
August 12, 2021 at 2:10 pm
And whatever He does in that moment, is His strength. My strength is made perfect in your weakness.
August 12, 2021 at 2:10 pm
Jacob Zikusooka oh wow. In the midst of my stress I even forgot this verse banange…….
August 12, 2021 at 2:11 pm
https://youtu.be/VVZrKSzJPSo
This song. David and Nicole Binion released it at the height of the lockdown when I was down to less than zero, right at bottom of the pit. I keep going back to it. Profound stuff Jacob Zikusooka We have all been in that place sometimes
August 12, 2021 at 2:11 pm
Eseza, thanks for sharing. May God, El Shaddai, arise and tear down the walls. And loose the chains that bind??
August 12, 2021 at 2:12 pm
Jacob Zikusooka Eseza Mulyagonja Awesome awesome. Like the ending of the song with “I surrender all”. We need to get to that end point – where we lay it all down and He begins ??????
August 12, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Jacob Zikusooka I get the feeling. Going for an evening walk is therapeutic for me. I get to pray, meditate, de-stress and distill ideas. Whenever I have to give an important speech, a walk just before calms my nerves and enables me organize my points. Many a time, my punchlines are “downloaded” while I am walking. On top of that, it’s good for my physical health.
August 12, 2021 at 2:13 pm
Totally, Nathan. Little wonder there are many accounts of Jesus retreating to a “quiet place.” For us, in our crazy-busy lives and chaotic metropolises, that calls for creativity of another kind!
August 12, 2021 at 2:13 pm
This has been a great read…
It’s been a rough few weeks (Kazi things)… But I’m so glad to “hear” this timely message of encouragement…
Thanks, Jacob… for this edifying peace (sp. intended)… ??