For someone who normally has to drive themselves everywhere, I had the somewhat luxury of sitting back and relaxing on my journey from London to Bath. It helped to alleviate my nerves about taking part in a Tough Mudder – a 12 mile mud-filled course with 20 demanding obstacles.
I planned this ambitious challenge back in February, knowing I would have to train hard if I was going to be able to complete it well. Just as this test of my strength has required mental and physical training, it got me thinking about those long-term choices and goals we make – the ones we know will mean sacrifice, time, motivation and patience.
I haven’t always excelled in the art of waiting…if I’m honest, it’s probably what I struggle with the most; allowing God to meet my needs and desires in His perfect time. On occasion I have taken my own steps because things aren’t moving quickly enough, these often result in disappointment and sometimes catastrophe! It also means I need to step back for restoration and go back to the beginning again. However, learning to listen more carefully and allowing God to prepare me to tackle obstacles that may arise in my path, have grown and stretched me. I have learned to trust in His promise.
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
I believe God wants me to achieve to the best of the abilities He has gifted me and that means hard work and often sacrifice on my part too. Had I attempted to face this challenge with none or little training, I would surely fall, faint and fail! Instead I’m stepping out in faith, confident that my hard work, sacrifice and tackling of obstacles has set me on the path to achieve to the best of the abilities I am gifted – I’m ready to go!
