My daughter goes to the doctor for a well check-up and they weigh her and check her height. Then, the doctor comes in and places those measurements on a graph comparing to all the other three year olds. The chart even displays how tall and big the typical kid will grow.
If you ever go to the gym and use the modern treadmills, they mark out your workout. Each milestone pops up and allows you to see the progress made and think about the distance or time left to go. Workouts vary from easy to hard. The categories help to formulate a plan base on the desired goal. One may burn more calories, while another may just be a casual walk.
All of these examples provide a goal to reach and present progress reports along the way; all based on "typical" or "average" results. Knowing the end result and the length of time needed can bring safe, secure feelings. Also, it can motivate us as we draw closer to the end. With each advance, the accomplishment can be seen clearly and we give ourselves a little pep talk, "You are almost there. You can do this. Keep your head up and focus on the end."
"Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 3:13-14)
Our goals and dreams may not coincide with the plan God placed for our lives. It may be hard at times to realize what He is saying or where He is guiding our steps. But, be still and wait, listen and obey His commands. He holds the plans and outlines for our future. There are no "average" lifestyles, graphed out goals or categorized plans to choose from. God does not work in monotony or by standards. He specifically chose a plan for every one of His children.
Trying times may present anxiety, worry or a frustrated spirit; but, we must seek Him and captivate every thought, making it obedient to Him (see 2 Corinthians 10:5). Do not fall in the pattern of comparison to other's progress, dwell on past mistakes or feel that giving up is an option. Strain forward and focus on the end result, an eternal life with our Creator!
All our trials and dark times are in His hands. He is there cheering us along and assuring us this is temporary. Keep your head up, you are almost there. For, He has great plans for you, to prosper not to harm and to use your story to help another in need of His Truth.
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God." (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
God, thank you for this day. Keep my eyes focused on You. Thank you for all Your pep talks and Words of encouragement with each step I take. Thank You for signs to remind me of my progress and to keep my head up. I surrender it all to You. I ask for You to take every lie from Satan and feed me Truth. Guide me to others who need to hear about You and the comfort You provide. I love You.
Keep praying harder than the devil can work.
Sheree Craig
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