Running With Horses

Not many of us enjoy the pain we experience when we are taxing our bodies to their physical limits. Who likes the pain of a side cramp when distance running or the struggle to raise an extra 10 pounds overhead when weightlifting? Yet these activities bring discipline to our bodies that, if not overdone, will strengthen us and make us capable of doing even more, over time.

In our scripture today, Jeremiah is recording God’s response to his complaints about unrighteous people experiencing an easy life while he himself suffers constant trials and testing. Often it seems that those around us, who are least interested in God and His ways, appear to be enjoying life the most, while those who seek to follow God’s ways and obey His commands seem to face constant challenges.

Here God addresses Jeremiah’s very human desire for physical comfort and a life of ease. Father God, as one who is helping us run the spiritual race referenced in the book of Hebrews, wants us to be able to continue to succeed, even when more challenging times come. He encourages Jeremiah to recognize the benefit of the discipline he’s experiencing. Similarly, God allows trials and testing in our lives, in order that we might grow in our spiritual stamina.

But as a good spiritual coach, the Lord doesn’t give us more than we are able. He gradually increases the pressure and challenges, so we can develop our spiritual muscles. Like Jeremiah, if we stick with Him, follow His lead and don’t give up, we will look back and see how our faith has grown and our tolerance of the demands of the race He’s set before us has increased.

Prayer: Thank You Lord that You are training me. Help me to grow in my tolerance of the demands of the race, and to thrive in the face of testing and trials. I turn to You for strength in my weakness. Help me to remain faithful to following Your ways, even though it is not easy. Amen.