Finishing The Race
9 03 2007
What does it feel like to be three months or more outside your call? I think it’s a lot like seeing the finish-line. Not so much in that I’m ready to give up or that it is almost over, but in that I know where I am going to end up. Truthfully, I thought I would have a job by now, and I had in my head that if I didn’t then this would be it - I would give up. Yet, after all this time I am more convinced of my calling. I couldn’t have made it this far if it weren’t for what God was teaching through me. Every time I have felt despair (daily, sometimes hourly) I remember things I talked to kids or parents about, or preached, or discipled into others. My list of big things to remember:
1. Faith isn’t looking at what is happening around you. There’s a guy in my former Sunday school class who can now repeat my ideas on faith verbatum. Faith is believing the promises of God, even when it seems like He’s a liar.
2. Faith is not listening to the lies in your head that how bad you are. There is someone who wants us to give up hope and tells lies to discourage us. Faith is answering those lies with God’s promises.
3. Faith is an unwavering belief that God is good and He works everything for the good of those He loves and are called into His kingdom. So no matter what is happening, God is working it out to be good for the kingdom. That means some will suffer while others rejoice.
So last night Cathy and I watched a documentary on the Spartan battle based on the upcoming movie 300. Maybe it was just the right thing at just the right time. Those warriors were willing to die for something. That is where I am today. I am more convinced of my calling than ever. Even if I work in a secular field, I will always work with teens and their families and try to relate the truth I have been given.
This has allowed me to embrace something Cathy brought home for a new Martin team motto. It’s called “embrace the suck.” Apparently this originated in the military camps in Iraq. Conditions were so bad there and there really was nothing to be done but live with it and keep doing your job. Hopefully Cathy will have time to enlighten our readers as only she can.
So here’s to the finish line. Embrace the suck.
I’ve been reading Fenelon’s classic, “The Seeking Heart.” Embracing God for God–not what He gives or what He does, but for who He is–gives us the power to embrace whatever else comes our way. I’m delighted that God is renewing your hope! Thanks for sharing my answer to prayer for you :)
Sounds like this stretching time is all worth everything the Lord is doing in your lives. God bless ya, man!
Great post man.
Embrace the Suck-I like that.
It seems like there’s so many times when that’s all we can do, but I guess that’s kind of okay…and maybe part of His plan.
I’m praying for you…
-Ryan
embrace the suck! excellent! that’s my type of motto.
Hey, I’m finally in my new house and feeling up to reading computer stuff (and have internet here- that’s helpful!) But, I’ve been thinking on your posts. I’m not very good with inspirational thoughts so I’ll use your words!
I was going through an old yearbook and your words to me were, “remember the ‘crossroads’.” At the time I knew what you meant- but I had to look up the movie to see what it was about. Short version: Ralph Macchio was guitar playing teen who ends up have to challenge the devil. In hindsight- your words are very deep. But now, you’re at a different crossroad in your life and I know you wil come out stronger. Not a race- not really a finish line- but remember the crossroads.
Kim