It looked like it was going to be a wonderful vacation – until we had to start running.

Recently, I had the chance to travel with John while he was working. We were driving up north to Ohio and West Virginia, states I’ve never visited. Woo hoo! I was ready for some time off. Let’s go!

There was only one little problem. After the first day, we had to alter our route because of a winter storm. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited about the prospect of seeing snow. I just didn’t want John to have to drive in it. After all, we’re from south Louisiana. The schools close if there’s even a hint of a heavy rain storm or sub-freezing weather. We shut down the town and absolutely do not drive if it snows. We surely do not! So we ran in the opposite direction.

We made it to Ohio just fine, even though we didn’t get to do any sightseeing. We were running ahead of the snow and sleet storm.

When we arrived in Canton, some snow had already fallen, and more snow was slowly drifting down. I loved it! For the next two days I played in that beautiful white power and took pictures while John worked. I rested.

Our next scheduled stop was in West Virginia. The only problem? Eight to ten inches of snow predicted! So we ran for home. This new storm was anticipated to have a winter mix as far south as north Louisiana. We needed to leave early and drive as far as possible. We skeedaddled!

We’re no strangers to running. After all, we’re from south Louisiana. We have hurricanes. A few years back, we had two summers with two hurricanes each – back to back. By the time the fourth hurricane rolled in, we were exhausted from evacuating. For the first three storms, we secured the house and left for safety. We ran ahead of the storms that were predicted to be a direct hit. But for hurricane number four, we decided to hunker down, and ride it out at home. We were worn out. We were tired of running.

Isn’t that the way it is in life sometimes? We run from the storms, the difficulties, the problems of life, wanting to avoid them, rather than walk through them. We run from our past, from our present, from our God. We vegetate and medicate (drugs, alcohol, a good book, even TV) and suppress, but never process our feelings.

At some point, don’t you just get so tired of running? Me too. Let’s stop. No more skedaddling. After all, the best part of running is when you stop. When you’re home, where you can rest.

Let’s stop running from the storms and run home to Jesus. Let’s trust that the God who raised Jesus from the dead will equip us and strengthen us to walk through any storms life brings our way.

“I can never be lost to your Spirit! I can never get away from my God! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the place of the dead, you are there. If I ride the morning winds to the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, your strength will support me.” Psalm 139:7-10 (TLB)

Don’t run from your storms; run to your Savior.

Until next time,

 

 

Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!

Suzie Eller,  Live Free Thursday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan at Dance with Jesus

Barbie at The Weekend Brew

Kelly at Purposeful Faith

Holly at Testimony Tuesday

Sue at Life Giving Linkup

Holley at Coffee for Your Heart

Jennifer at Tell His Story

Meredith at Woman 2 Woman Wednesday

 

 

“Sweetheart, they could have thrown you out of this recovery center time and time again, but they haven’t. They see something in you. You need to see in yourself the things that they see in you!”

“I know, Daddy. I’ll try,” she replied, eyes downcast, shoulders sagging.

She saw herself through the eyes of the world: addict, homeless, shamed, worthless. She had a hard time believing that she could be more than, that she could be different.

Over the years, she had found her identity in those “less than” labels. Comfortable, even. But sometimes – no, most times – we need to break out of our comfort zones in order to live free. We need to see ourselves through the eyes of Love, the eyes of Christ.

We need to see in ourselves the things Christ sees in us.

And how does Christ see us?

As His masterpiece, His work of outstanding artistry. God created us individually in His image and it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31).

Have you ever watched an artist at work? A painter, writer, sculptor? A baker, seamstress, gardener? They pour their heart and soul into making something out of nothing. Each creation is birthed with love and is a work of art. Each is valued, because it was created with the artist’s own hands, hours spent getting just the right shade of color here, the correct word there, the exact amount of sugar or spice.

Christ sees a cherished work of art in us.

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT

As His beloved, His dearly loved. We are precious in His sight, and He loves us with an everlasting love. The love Christ has for us is unconditional, pure agape love. When Christ looks at us, it is not with disappointment or anger, it is with love. We need not stand before Him in shame, but shame-less. Free to be His beloved child.

“We know that God has chosen you, dear brothers, much beloved of God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4 

 

As a new person. We are more than our pasts, we are more than our mistakes. Our sins are washed clean with the blood of His sacrifice (Isaiah 1:18). We have the freedom to become a new creation in Christ Jesus.

It’s difficult sometimes to take that first step to freedom. To turn our backs on the only life we have known for so long. To start over. It’s hard work. But if we belong to Christ, we are a new person, and we have His power available to us.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20

Did you see it? We are NEW! The old life in GONE! And we have HIS power – the power that raised Christ from the dead – available to help us. We don’t have to do this on our own. We have Christ, we have our families, and we have others available to help us become His work of art, His beautiful creation.

[tweetthis]When we see in ourselves the things He sees in us, we can stand shame-less before Him.[/tweetthis]

Hallelujah and amen!

Joining these lovely writers. Be sure to visit their pages, you’ll be encouraged!

Suzie Eller,  Live Free Thursday

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bonnie at Faith Barista

 

Susan at Dance with Jesus

Barbie at The Weekend Brew

Kelly at Purposeful Faith

Holly at Testimony Tuesday

Sue at Life Giving Linkup

Holley at Coffee for Your Heart

Jennifer at Tell His Story

Meredith at Woman 2 Woman Wednesday