“A faithful person will be richly blessed…” (Proverbs 20:8a NIV)
“Weather” was not a typo or misspelling in the title above. Granted that happens to the best of us at one time or the other. But that is not the case this morning. Let me explain. Frequently when I venture out on these dreary, cold, and sometimes snowy days, I see a man who I would guess is my age, perhaps older, jogging. I used to see him in the hot summer days, as well as the rainy days of spring. Regardless of what’s going on with the weather, he jogs. Based on the different locations I see him, I believe it would be accurate to say that he doesn’t just jog a block or two and turn around. I’m guessing he runs over a mile and probably nearly two. Some people would not be impressed by the fact that his running speed is extremely slow, but I’m impressed that he’s extremely smart by the way he paces himself. He is not distracted by drivers, dogs, or delinquent look-a-likes walking down the street with the top of their beltless pants held up to their mid thighs only by one hand. I’m sure that the older jogger has better knees than these youngsters. The point is that this man is faithfully committed to running, regardless of his age, in spite of any elderly aggravations, and despite any agitation of onlookers who he surely can see laughing at his tortoise like speed. There are two things they cannot do. They can’t laugh at his form; it’s as perfect as you can get. I for one could not keep up with him. And no one can laugh at his faithfulness in keeping his daily routine. The pandemic has not stopped him. The police reports of crime in the area have not stopped him. The possible persuasion of his peers has not pressured him into stopping. I’m telling you, this old runner is a perfect example of that precious trait called faithfulness.
This amazing jogger made me think that being faithful in what we are moved to do or called to do by the Lord should be a characteristic or trait that others see in you and me. So let me challenge you, as you run this Christian race this week and all the weeks you are blessed to see each and every day; challenge you to be faithful. Don’t let the weather stop you; meteorological weather or the figurative and spiritual storms we encounter on a regular basis. Regardless of our season of life, don’t let that stop you. Commit to being progressively, even more faithful. In spite of comments offered by our peers, close friends and family, commit to being faithful in doing what the Lord moves you and calls you to do. I’ll join you in the effort.
Now, I don’t know what your specific calling may be, but whatever it is, remain faithful. Don’t let aging, ailments, anxiety, or all those who don’t remain faithful, keep you from being faithful! Be faithful! Stay committed! Forge forward with your eyes on the Lord! Have a great start to your week! Be blessed!
“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a NIV)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King