Scripture:

Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you —unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test. (2 Corinthians 13:5b-6)

Thought for the day:

Yesterday, I put my body to the test in Twin Cities Marathon and I fell short. I didn’t come close to the goals I set for myself. Disappointed? Yes. A failure? Not in the least! I went out and I ran. I enjoyed a beautiful course, a gorgeous day, and huge encouragement from a crowd that didn’t know me from Adam. I loved it!

So it goes with our faith! We are called to go out and “run the race set before us,” and there are days when we will fall short in the expectations we have for ourselves and the expectations God has of us. Those days are disappointing (or should be), however, failing to be that person God intends us to be at a given time doesn’t mean there isn’t value to who we are and what we experience. There is so much to be thankful for: a beautiful day, an encouraging word, and listening ear…

I am already scoping out the marathons for 2020, it’s who I am. Perhaps the next one will allow me to celebrate my expectations.

Same with our faith journey. We are people of faith. Perhaps the next opportunity to show it will allow us to celebrate our showing God’s incredible love to those around us.

Prayer for the day:

Dear Heavenly Father, when we fail to meet Your expectations for faithfulness, pick us up, dust us off, and allow us to be immersed in Your Holy Spirit so that we might try again. Amen.