TIME FOR NEW SHOES?

Last year my husband and I walked over 1,000 miles! We were about two-thirds into our goal when I noticed how my feet began to hurt. I was getting blisters, and I could only walk a few miles each day before I had to stop. This was discouraging, not to mention the detours it caused in meeting our goal of 1,000 miles for the year.

Then one day I looked closely at my running shoes. I loved those shoes, but after walking in them for hundreds of miles, they fell apart. They had holes in them, and the soles were splitting. Why didn’t I notice this sooner? They were so comfortable when I bought them, and I guess I thought they’d last a lifetime. When did they start letting me down? Was it time for a change? Was it time for a new pair of running shoes?

I realized that the “old” pair didn’t do what they were intended to do anymore. It was at that moment, when the Lord challenged me to take a closer look at how I viewed my circumstances around me. The pain from my past gave blisters in my heart. Clearly, my plans failed, and I needed to give up the “old” ways of dealing with stress, pain, and the discomfort of life.

I had to trust God for His plans in my life. He reminded me that through the process, I’d never be alone. He would always be there for me. My job is to trust Him, follow Him without fear, and, yes, keep an eye on my running shoes.

It was time for a change of heart and a new perspective in my life. It was time to exchange my old shoes for a pair that the Lord had especially prepared for me. It was time to run with endurance the race that was set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

The Lord wants us all to give up our old shoes so He can freely give us a brand-new pair. I have learned over the years to walk in His presence, knowing that He was with me every step of the way. Even though these places may bring temporary pain, I am stronger because of those experiences in my life. I am stronger because of God’s great love and compassion for me.

God has brought me through some fire and deep waters. I know I can run the race that He has set before me today, even if it looks daunting! He will give me the strength needed to endure, and I will rejoice.

I didn’t think I’d like my new pair of running shoes as much as I do, but they are comfortable for the long run. They give me the strength to go on longer walks without blisters or sore feet.

Is it time for you to take a closer look at your running shoes? Do you need an extra dose of strength to run the race God has set before you? Maybe it’s time for new shoes.

Psalms 19:5 says, “He rejoices like a strong man to run its race.”

#beincouraged #beincouraged411 #timefornewshoes