As I ran today, I saw myself standing at the bottom of a waterfall. The water was pouring over my head in a refreshing way. Then I thought, “Didn’t I climb to the top already?” It was in that moment that I saw something. It was a stack of waterfalls. I realized then that I will never reach the final waterfall, this side of Heaven. No, instead I will spend my life climbing and jumping or under the downpour, all at His leading. But at each precipice I will be growing closer to Him.
This was a breath-taking encounter with God.
In that moment I realized that I don’t need to strive. I don’t need to “arrive”. I only need to keep moving with Him, that way whether I am jumping off, resting in the water, or climbing, it will all be beneficial.
I want all my efforts to be beneficial.
Have you ever worked out at a gym? Every time I do, I see some people doing exercises improperly and I think to myself, “You are wasting all your energy doing that when if you just modified it a bit you would be really benefitting.” Likewise, I have been the one at the gym misusing machines or using incorrect postures, making my workout far less impactful. I don’t want to do that at the gym, much less in life.
So much of the struggle comes from a lack of focus. We are often so distracted by life that it’s hard for us to focus in on what’s most important. Just like at the gym we must focus our bodies to do exercises correctly. At first that focus can be exhausting, but in time it becomes so much more natural.
My encouragement for you today is, enjoy where you are and continue to look forward to the future, but always stay connected to the Father so you don’t waste your time and energy (physical or emotional) doing the right thing the wrong way.
Be focused so you are not wasting your finite time on this earth being tossed to and fro. Let God focus your thoughts on His thoughts and your heart on His. It will first be a deliberate act, but will soon become natural.
Finally, don’t stop finding waterfalls. Places of adventure and refreshing. Places that challenge you and make you feel alive. God is full of adventure. I love that about Him. His adventures bring the deepest satisfaction.
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand. Psalm 16:11
365 Days in the Presence 