The countdown begins: 7 days until FAITHdare time!
A few years ago, I ran (ahem, WALKran) a mini-marathon. Of course the commencement of the race sticks out in my mind-- all the cheering and adrenaline enough to carry me on a cloud of anticipation for the first couple of miles. Starting the race was easy, even effortless. It wasn't until mile 9 that I started wondering what the heck I had gotten myself into. By 11 I was contemplating a sneaky early departure. If it weren't for the companionship and encouragement of a dear friend plodding along with me, I can say with confidence I most likely would have bailed long before the finish line. And oh what a shame that would have been. While the beginning of the race was exciting and fun, the finish line was glorious. And without a partner, I never would have gotten there.
As I begin to prepare my heart for this year-long journey, I acknowledge that it won't be easy. It won't be popular. But God did not call us to easy or popular. Even so, going the narrow way can be very dark and lonely.
So here is my first challenge to myself and all of you, my friends embarking on this journey with me (consider it a predare-dare, to be completed this week): Find someone (or many someones) you can run with. Link arms with someone who is willing to go the Narrow way, to take a step toward resolute trust, reckless faith, and radical obedience. Ask him or her to commit to doing the FAITHdare with you. You will never regret having a partner to run with, especially when the mountains seem bigger than your faith.
After you've found yourself a partner, commit to praying for each other EVERY DAY this year. Yes, I said EVERY DAY. And maybe, just maybe...you could consider praying together. After all...where two or more are gathered, the King of all creation is also there! My dream? That Faithdare GROUPS would begin to form across the world, bodies of believers praying and believing and being challenged TOGETHER! Let's not limit God...
In the 7 days before FAITHdare begins, I will be praying, by name, for every person I know of so far who has joined this journey. This is the verse I want us to be praying for each other:
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline" (2 Tim. 1:7). I am praying God gives YOU a spirit of POWER, of LOVE, and of SELF-DISCIPLINE.
***For any of our welcomed newcomers, don't forget to leave a comment on the very first entry so we can keep a "role call" of everyone who has joined the FAITHdare team. And welcome aboard!***
Meet me back here on Monday, March 1st for the first dare!
Abigail,
ReplyDeleteAs I was meditating 2Tim 1:7 over and over again, it hit me, (isn't it amazing how God's word just comes alive when the Holy Spirit reveals it to us). God has already given us all the resources that we need to overcome every trial that comes our way. Thats why Paul say "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of POWER"... miraculous power that can only come from God, if we relay on Him with every step we take.
Of LOVE (AGAPE) the kind of love that is center on pleasing God and seeking other's welfare before my own.
SOUND MIND, or self-disciple, which is the complete opposite of fear or confusion. All my focused and purpose is on Him
Thank you for leaving us with this verse and what a reminder that through out this journey we know that God has given us all the power, love, and wisdom that we need to take on this challenge and that we just need to be faithful, to pick up our cross and be obedient to the calling that He has for us, and let us run the race and not walk it. And at the end of the road let us hear those sweet words "Well done, good and faithful servant", all for His glory.
Monica