Therefore, since we are
surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NIV)
Spring is beginning to show its face in PA. With the warmer temperatures, I've gotten back into walking again. I just couldn't face exercising outdoors when the temperatures were in the 20s and we had 36+ inches on the ground for a while. I know, I like the comforts of a warm home on days like that. :) I will miss the snow, but I have been enjoying the fresh air.
While my body hasn't fully adjusted to the paces I've been putting it through each morning, at least not yet, I love the time in the outdoors. As I walk I spend time with my Heavenly Father.
I've been praying about some recurring struggles I've been facing. Not that they have been constantly persisting, but they have been at least in my thoughts. As I prayed and released it to the Lord...again...He reminded me of a woodpecker. They keep pecking and pecking and pecking in the same spot.
Sometimes we keep pecking at issues in our lives, or at least we allow Satan to keep pecking at them. Continually bringing them to mind. Persisting in our thoughts. But we don't have to live the life of a woodpecker. We can choose to be free of the things. Like the verses say above from Hebrews, "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."
Throw off what is hindering you, don't be entangled by sin, or allow woodpeckers to rule in your life. Instead, keep your eyes on Jesus.
How can I pray for you today?
Thank you for this lovely post and it reminded me of a childhood mrmory. I walked to school and I vividly remember the sound of a woodpecker during the spring of my 2nd or 3rd year if school. I think we had just learned about them so I was especially interested in them and I heard them quite often. I can't recall the last time I heard one and I don't know if it's due to none around or that I'm allowing other noises to drown them out. This is often what happens to our time talking to God. He speaks but other distractions overpower our ability to hear Him!
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cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for sharing your childhood memory, Connie. There are so many things that can distract us from hearing God's voice.
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