Friday, August 01, 2008

HE Runs

It has delighted my heart to have God show Himself to me in so many ways - thus leading to this "HE" series, which I never intended to start...but I have to go where He leads me! I have been so grateful to God for the ways He has spoken through my most recent post, HE Comforts. If you missed it, click on over and let God speak His love to you.

I woke up this morning, knowing I needed to go running. I have sort of been too lazy busy to run much over the past week or so, and before not running becomes a habit again I knew I needed to get going.
So I did.
As I ran, and enjoyed my iPod, I prayed, and realized how much I was enjoying being with God. Really. I talked with Him and just knew He was running with me.
When I was getting tired and wanted to quit I prayed and asked Him to give me strength, and - seeing the parallel - I asked Him to strengthen me in mothering when I'm tired and I want to quit there, too.
As I was going up a hill, and really wanted to quit, I asked God to call me onward and push me forward. I prayed, Be before me and behind me. Then I smiled and added, And beside me.
I continued on and God brought several people to my mind for whom I needed to pray. As I was getting more tired and thought more about quitting, God was reminding me of friends in tiring situations who are having a hard time persevering. So I prayed for them. God reminded me His power is made perfect in our weakness, so I prayed that He would display His power in the lives and circumstances of these friends of mine - in the midst of their weakness.

I ran a little bit longer than a 5K this morning, and it delighted my heart to consider that HE runs. God was with me every step of the way. It was a sweet time of fellowship as His Spirit prompted me to pray for people and as I truly sensed Him giving me the strength to continue on. And the thing is, God doesn't just run.
HE cleans bathrooms.
HE goes shopping.
HE changes diapers.
HE prepares meals.
HE goes to work.
Whatever you are doing, no matter how mundane, no matter how "nonspiritual," God is right there with you. And I believe He longs to have fellowship with you in every.single.moment.
God is before you, behind you, and beside you. Enjoy His presence today!

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13 comments:

Unknown said...

As always - you always bring the right words at the right time. Well maybe He uses you to bring the right words at the right time!

Thanks for allowing Him to use you and this blog.

Ps check my blog - you got an award :)

Unknown said...

I'm so grateful He's in the midst of it ALWAYS!!!!

Ronel said...

It really makes me think about what I am actually doing in life and why I am doing it... I will try to keep him in my presence today and always.
Thanks,
Ronel

Kristi O said...

I liked the wording of Be before me, and behind me and beside me. That is precious

luvmy4sons said...

Oh Amen dear sister. We cannot out run our God...He runs besides us and before us and behind us! Awesome thoughts for this morning. Thank you!

Shari Braendel said...

What a beautiful post! Found my way here by way of Mrs. Sydney...will enjoy checking back in and see where God leads you next with the "He" series! A book perhaps? love ya, Shari

Anonymous said...

Great thoughts Karen! I have to remember this always. Even when I am SO tempted to go and rent the Sex and the City movie... I have to remember that He would be watching that soft porn with me, that He would be subject to the foul language, that He would see the disrespect of the earthy temple He provides for us.

I love where you took this series and I can't wait for more!

God bless-
Amanda

KarenW said...

He's always there. We just forget that fact so often. At least I do. Thanks for the reminder.

Katie said...

Thanks... I so needed this post today. HE is with me, in tiny, mundane tasks.
Thanks for a blessing of a reminder.

Anonymous said...

It is a great blessing to have such a strength and encourager. Great reminder Karen!

Penny said...

Thanks for the prayers my friend. He's using so many people and ways to lift me up. The learning curve is long....but meaningful.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the inspiration, you are truly filled with the Holy spirit, I need people like you around. I'm adding you to my blogroll, if you don't mind.

greta said...

Oh, how true this is. And the Lord has been laying on my heart soooo many of my friends that need my non-stop prayers. Thank you for this sweet reminder!