Tag Archives: Persistence

Always Content, Never Satisfied

January 24, 2010
Strive
Image by bowtoo via Flickr

I know far less after 18-plus years of teaching than I thought I did right out of grad school.

The same is true in my walk with Christ. I felt a whole lot smarter and wiser as a newborn Christian than I am today. Though I know that I must learn to be content with my provision, my gifts, and my circumstance, I can’t get complacent and be satisfied with where I am.

I hope I never get to the point where I think…

  • I understand God or His Word
  • I have accomplished God’s purpose for my life
  • I have achieved all I can achieve for God
  • I know Christ as well as He can be known
  • the torch has passed to a younger generation
  • there’s no one left for me to reach
  • God has nothing left to teach me
  • I’ve dug as deeply as there is to dig
  • I have nothing left to confess
  • I no longer need to bear fruit…or my cross
  • I’m already where God wants me to remain

If I’m on the path, there’s still path left to travel. If I’m no longer moving, I’m no longer on the path.

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The Way Out of the Desert

January 1, 2010
Atacama, the world's driest desert
Image via Wikipedia

I can see the way out of the desert. I know which way to go. And some days I head in that direction.

The problem is there are other days I go back the other way. Or walk in circles. Or meander aimlessly.

What I wanted was for the desert to miraculously evaporate when I found the way out, or for the oasis to spring up in front of my face.

Here’s the thing about deserts. To get out, you have to travel at least as far as you did on your way in.

The only way to make progress, the only way to keep the journey out from taking even longer, is to stick with it, day after day.

Do what you know you must do to survive and thrive and get closer to the end.

Even while things are still dry.

Even when you can’t see the destination past the dune.

Even as it seems like it can never end.

Even if it feels pointless to keep going.

Keep going.

Just remember that God is walking alongside, even as He’s preparing the pool and the shade that will greet me once I find my way out.

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How Not To Change

June 3, 2008

HidingWhy is it that during the most challenging moments of my life I put God on hold? I’m supposed to turn to Him, run to Him, jump into his arms and let Him guide me through it. I’m supposed to lean harder and let Him help me carry the burden.

But I always press pause. And I always end up digging myself a deeper hole.

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