The Patience that Runs

In context with Something on a Midday.

At times I forget what happened that midday. I am now really thankful I had written that. This life, where every thing seems to be a journey and a battle, I need to be gently reminded of the reasons why I do what I do today. That post serves as a bookmark for me.

I was then led to have Streams in the Desert as a devotion companion again. It is an epic, a classic, and a timeless companion. I don't know. It feels so much of a home for me each time I read it. Oh, heavens!

The page I turned to one day brought a kind of message that ministered to me... to silence all my fears, to release me from my worries and all ~ big time.

Let us run with patience. (Hebrews 12:1 KJV)

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There is another kind of patience that I believe is harder to obtain ~ the patience that runs.

. . . but I know of something that suggests even greater strength ~ the power to continue working after a setback, the power to still run with a heavy heart, and the power to perform your daily tasks with deep sorrow in your spirit. This is a Christlike thing!

. . . Yet what is so difficult is that most of us are called to exercise our patience not in bed but in the open street, for all to see. We are called upon to bury our sorrows not in restful inactivity but in active service ~ contributing to other people's joy. No other way of burying our sorrow is as difficult as this, for it is truly what is meant by running with "patience". 

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Oh, that feels so much. 

Let us run with patience. It is quite an invitation. It is quite a choice.

An invitation to patience. I don't know how appealing it can become.

The past months made me feel and know the tender, softer and the vulnerable side of me. Touch base reality, I shed tears on silent times. Whichever side I turn to, I was made to realize and embrace the truth that really, this is how my journey was designed. Run the race, my dear. Run patiently.

What I have right now is the call to carry on softly, calmly and, patiently. Though at times, it becomes a challenge when circumstances seem to push me to do otherwise. With things and a vision bigger than myself, I know I just need to rest and trust God's sovereignty and timing. Easier said than done but that's how things come to pass. I don't want to sound preachy but really, God cannot be taken out of the equation.

I am just counting days and the next leg of the journey is about to begin. The course is ready, it is set and on place. I am willing to run the race with the kind of patience that runs.

Ever trusting. Ever believing. Ever praying.

So help me God.

Behind the Dance & the Stars

This is more of my journey to redemption from a particular thing that has been beyond my power to control (this sounds like a confession now). As all of us are a work in progress, this post would certainly remind me that in order for bad things or influences to lose control over one's life, a bold, intentional and conscious effort must be put in. And that with God's strength and grace, we can be victors and overcomers.

I am beyond words how the Lord personally, gently, patiently, creatively and carefully took me out of it. I am touched beyond words how He feels my struggles and weaknesses and is in complete knowing of my journey of faith.

It started when my sister showed me a video on YouTube which she then posted on my Facebook timeline:

You may view the video from here, too:

The dance, the song, the message and everything in it kept me on the groove and brought me back to life. I even viewed the video countless times leading me to related videos one after the other. I got hooked! which is definitely a very good thing. I was awakened to hopes and dreams that I have not shared with anyone. The videos became more than just an entertainment. It's more than just a show 'Dancing with the Stars' for me. It served as God's gentle and gradual way of redeeming me from the thing that has been enticing me away from Him. It is like, the more I watch, the more I am being redeemed. :)

Redemption, I believe is not a one time act but a daily journey. I remember a line from a song which says, "Savior please, keep saving me..." I am more than thankful that I am being redeemed by Him every single day. By His grace I can say, I am HIS everyday.

I am comforted with the truth that God cares, really. He will use personal ways to have His message come across. And that message reached me. More so, I am thankful that we have a God Who is patient. Had it not been the case, I am done... all done and gone. 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)

If you are currently on the redemption road, be willing to be led. You will be surprised how God will creatively and personally redeem you. If the videos worked for me, I wonder what He will use for you. ;)

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... and by the way, this blogger turned out to be a 'Dancing with the Stars' fan now. Heehee. 

Blessings everyone!