March #jammed: Grace Revealed.

Day 74: When it’s not supposed to be there.

“All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father. These are the rotten fruits of this world.” 1 John 2:16

Red and green navigation lights beamed off the lake before the sun’s appearance. Warm days during the winter solstice will pack the boat ramp fast, as fisherman rush to catch the winter fish.

This old distance runner knows the feeling of having to wait around until it’s OK to train again, and I imagine those fisherman couldn’t wait to putt out into the freshly freed icy water. Injury after injury has proven healthy for my passion. During each season of wait and angst, I am more secure in who I am without running. In fact, “runner” doesn’t define as much of me as it used to. I’m a lot less relient on it to feel OK.

“Being full of God’s love settles, empowers, and brings out the best of who we are.” Lisa TerKeurst, Uninvited

God’s love is the key. My morning run always included time with my Jesus. Striding along the lake at sunrise, it was always impossible to separate Him from my what I saw. But what I love about God is that He wanted more.

When I can, I hit the pavement after I linger with my Father. But it’s not necessary to “have a good day,” or “run out the stress of life,” or “stay healthy and fit.” Hope deferred reveals Jesus to be all we need. He can do infinitely  more that we realize with who we already are.

Today’s verse warns us not to be extreme about things. Relationships, passions, and possessions. The only thing first should be the One who was, is, and ever will be first.

Father, Praise You for our passions! Thank You for creating a world full of adventure, and for wiring us to be happy people. Forgive us for seeking happiness outside of You, and bless us to put You first all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

What passion do you struggle not to put first? Get the conversation started by commenting below, and let’s encourage one another as we face life in 2017 armed with grace! 

#greatgrace17

Happy Empowering,

Megs

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