Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Inner Strength (04/20/06)
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TITLE: Every Storm | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anna Meadows
04/24/06 -
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I drive home from work on that unusually dark and wet Tuesday evening, feeling the daily grind of my boring office job. I’m sure that ho-hum look is molded on most of the drivers’ faces if I cared to glance out my rain-spotted window and notice.
Wasn’t I made for more than this? we all seem to be silently asking. Doesn’t my purpose have more meaning than this 8 to 5?
My thoughts rumble within, as the raindrops grow steadily larger. What is this passion You’ve put inside me? This dream I’m too afraid to speak about or else I’ll have to start pursuing it?
With my windshield wipers clunking back and forth I remember a passage of scripture I read that morning. It was like one prophet named Isaiah had recorded my complaining thoughts thousands of years before.
“Why do you say, O Jacob and complain, O Israel, ‘my way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God.’”—Isaiah 40:27, NIV.
When I read that, I stopped. I have to admit my prayers up to that point had been pretty whiny.
“My purpose doesn’t mean much, Lord,” I’d say through my actions. “I’ll never live up to the potential You’ve placed in me. I won’t make a difference.”
But through those words in Isaiah, He said, “Why are you complaining, child? Why do you doubt my faithfulness, my power?” Because the passage goes on to say, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired and weary.”—Isaiah 40:28, NIV.
Lightening flashes and illuminates my mind, it’s like he’s saying, “Hello, I’m the God of the universe! If I’ve given you a gift, or a passion that’s not an 8 to 5 job don’t you think I’m faithful enough to equip you with what you need, if you first step out of your doubt and put some action to those thoughts of good intentions?”
The thunder rolls with more to think about, and I tighten my grip on the steering wheel.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.”—Isaiah 40: 31, NIV.
I pull my car into the driveway, finally at home. The rain has let up, and now the rain drops are zigzagging down the windshield. I look past them, the passage taking root in my mind.
When a storm of doubt threatens me, am I like the eagle that rises above the clouds where there is peaceful flying? Inner strength is only found in those who hope in the Lord.
So where are you flying to? What are your wings? What is your dream? Will you start that small business you’ve been thinking about for years?
Where will you run? Will you pick up that paintbrush and create a masterpiece even though your art has been criticized in the past? Do not grow weary.
Where will you walk? Will you continue to send out your article even though rejections and silence seem to follow right behind? Do not be faint.
The storms of life can be threatening, but we’ve been given access to the very power behind every storm. “For I am the Lord, your God, who takes you by the right hand and says to you, ‘do not fear, I will help you.’”—Isaiah 41:13, NIV.
God stands ready to help. God. The very creator of the earth. Will you also stand up and begin pursuing your dream?
Lord, I ask that you give us a burning passion to run after the purpose you’ve placed in our lives. I pray you help us rise above every storm that threatens the pursuit of our dreams. Help us believe in your faithfulness, knowing that you will never leave us or forsake us. Light fires under us, to get us moving and not let another day pass without some action mixed with our good intentions. I pray that we bring you all the glory and that we’ll look to you in the storm, and when the sky is clear.
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