Jumping The Hurdles
With the uptick of people infected by COVID-19 and the predictions scientists and the CDC are making about the near future, it is easy to see we’re headed into rough water again. We have all prayed for deliverance from the pandemic and we have waited patiently for a cure. For some of us, we feel a bit defeated because we hoped we would be in a better place. What do we do with disappointment especially when we have no control over the disease? Jump over it!
Have you ever watched track and field competitions? One of the events is called hurdles. There are hurdles evenly spaced apart that the runner has to jump over without knocking them down. Basically, you get a good run going with good speed to clear the obstacles or barriers. To succeed, you have to have good running techniques throughout the race. This is the exact formula we need for dealing with this pandemic.
We have a choice to make: stay in the pool of disappointment and fear, stuck to the bottom or jump over the hurdles and the barriers in front of us. Drowning in a pool isn’t an option here. Working up the energy and strength to run over the hurdles seems daunting. That’s where Jesus comes in.
We can rely on Him to help us win this race. He knows how we feel because He experienced it and He encountered hurdles too. The Scribes and Pharisees were constantly trying to trip Him up and kill Him for preaching the Gospel. And then He had the hurdle of death and the taking on of our sins to deal with. He knows what it’s like to have barriers thrown at you that are life threatening. But He knew how great the reward and prize would be if He stayed on track. He is our example for jumping the hurdles we face in dealing with the pandemic.
Hurdle #1. Fear: He tells us not to fear because He is with us. It’s a matter of casting our fears and worries on Him, trusting He will protect us and keep us safe.
Hurdle # 2. Hopelessness: The hurdles we may face with this pandemic look high. Shut downs, unemployment, no stimulus. Jesus told us He is the provider. Every day we should ask Him for provision and trust He will supply our every need. It isn’t just lip service. Jesus can be counted on to pull us through.
Hurdle # 3. Fatigue: We are tired and the pandemic is wearing on us. Jesus is the Overcomer. He did not mean for us to manage through these times alone and under our own strength. He told us to come to Him when we are tired and He will give us rest from our hurdles. He will strengthen us and He will be that living drink of water we need to prosper.
Rely on His courage and strength to overcome the hurdles of this pandemic. Face down the hurdles knowing is jumping each one with us. He is the wind under our feet as we fly over them. Some hurdles may be a struggle, but He will never leave us. This race will end and His victory is already ours. So be confident and jump the hurdles!
“The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to You in hope; You give them their food as they need it. When You open Your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him.” Psalm 145:14-20
Prayer
Lord,
I put my trust in you. I will not fear, for You are with me; I will not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I present my requests to You. And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in You. I will hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You who promised are faithful. Yes, my soul does find rest in You; my hope comes from You. Truly You are my rock and my salvation; You are my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on You; You are my mighty rock, my refuge. I will trust in You at all times; I will pour out my heart to You, for You are my refuge. Amen!
Photo by Marc Rafanell López on Unsplash
Have you ever watched track and field competitions? One of the events is called hurdles. There are hurdles evenly spaced apart that the runner has to jump over without knocking them down. Basically, you get a good run going with good speed to clear the obstacles or barriers. To succeed, you have to have good running techniques throughout the race. This is the exact formula we need for dealing with this pandemic.
We have a choice to make: stay in the pool of disappointment and fear, stuck to the bottom or jump over the hurdles and the barriers in front of us. Drowning in a pool isn’t an option here. Working up the energy and strength to run over the hurdles seems daunting. That’s where Jesus comes in.
We can rely on Him to help us win this race. He knows how we feel because He experienced it and He encountered hurdles too. The Scribes and Pharisees were constantly trying to trip Him up and kill Him for preaching the Gospel. And then He had the hurdle of death and the taking on of our sins to deal with. He knows what it’s like to have barriers thrown at you that are life threatening. But He knew how great the reward and prize would be if He stayed on track. He is our example for jumping the hurdles we face in dealing with the pandemic.
Hurdle #1. Fear: He tells us not to fear because He is with us. It’s a matter of casting our fears and worries on Him, trusting He will protect us and keep us safe.
Hurdle # 2. Hopelessness: The hurdles we may face with this pandemic look high. Shut downs, unemployment, no stimulus. Jesus told us He is the provider. Every day we should ask Him for provision and trust He will supply our every need. It isn’t just lip service. Jesus can be counted on to pull us through.
Hurdle # 3. Fatigue: We are tired and the pandemic is wearing on us. Jesus is the Overcomer. He did not mean for us to manage through these times alone and under our own strength. He told us to come to Him when we are tired and He will give us rest from our hurdles. He will strengthen us and He will be that living drink of water we need to prosper.
Rely on His courage and strength to overcome the hurdles of this pandemic. Face down the hurdles knowing is jumping each one with us. He is the wind under our feet as we fly over them. Some hurdles may be a struggle, but He will never leave us. This race will end and His victory is already ours. So be confident and jump the hurdles!
“The Lord helps the fallen and lifts those bent beneath their loads. The eyes of all look to You in hope; You give them their food as they need it. When You open Your hand, You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing. The Lord is righteous in everything He does; He is filled with kindness. The Lord is close to all who call on Him, yes to all who call on Him in truth. He grants the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cries for help and rescues them. The Lord protects all those who love Him.” Psalm 145:14-20
Prayer
Lord,
I put my trust in you. I will not fear, for You are with me; I will not be dismayed, for You are my God. You will strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. I will not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, I present my requests to You. And Your peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard my heart and my mind in You. I will hold unswervingly to the hope I profess, for You who promised are faithful. Yes, my soul does find rest in You; my hope comes from You. Truly You are my rock and my salvation; You are my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on You; You are my mighty rock, my refuge. I will trust in You at all times; I will pour out my heart to You, for You are my refuge. Amen!
Photo by Marc Rafanell López on Unsplash
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