(Re)Direction
GCD Weekly Newsletter - 10th January 2024
The sun beat down on my skin and the muscles in my legs screamed for me to stop. I had been running a few hours already, but as I passed mile marker 13 it hit me…I’m only halfway finished with my marathon. Of the 35,000 runners who signed up for this race, I would guess at some point many of them shared the same thought I had in that moment: ‘Why in the world did I sign up for this?’ I felt there was no way I’d be able to finish as the thought of another thirteen miles overwhelmed me.
I had to redirect my thoughts to focus on the next step. Focus on this mile and don’t worry about how I may feel in the next mile. Take the next step and imagine making it past the finish line where my family would be waiting.
Scripture uses race imagery to describe the spiritual life. Sometimes I can get overwhelmed wondering how I’ll persevere for the next, Lord willing, forty years. But, all I can do is focus on what God has before me today and let him worry about tomorrow. I’ll take the next step, while imagining crossing that finish line where my Savior will be waiting.
Whether you are facing an difficult situation like Kirsten Blake writes about, or you are trying to start 2025 with a Christ-centered focus, this week’s articles will encourage you to keep running your race well.
In Christ,
serves as associate pastor at FBC Atlanta, TX. James and his wife, Jenny, are blessed with four children and are actively involved in foster care. He is passionate about beholding the beauty of our Lord and helping others do the same. He enjoys writing, running, and gardening. You can follow James Twitter or his blog where he writes regularly.
This week at GCDiscipleship.com
Start at Revelation
by Timarie Friesen
“Present-day events cloud my ability to remember and perceive this story, recalling where peace is found and what defines greatness. Revelation is a compass that outlasts our present troubles. Inspired by the Holy Spirit and full of depictions and words from Jesus, Revelation highlights God’s faithfulness as recounted in the Bible from beginning to end.”
Nearness is Enough
by Kirsten Black
“Could it be that God is near, even when we don’t see or understand it? Could it be that his nearness will not look anything like we had hoped? Maybe it’s in our deepest valleys and most broken places where Jesus meets us—not with relief or by pulling us out of our pain and suffering, but by simply holding us close, holding our faith. Maybe the nearness of God looks like the daily endurance to do hard things and not give up.”