push beyond

When I hit 3.1 miles on my run today, I had a choice to make.  I could head for home (just a few blocks away) or I could take a detour and go a bit further.  I was tired and ready to head home, but a voice inside me said, "push beyond what you think you can do!"  So I did, and I actually ran past my house and then back so that I could get 4.1 miles in.  :)

In that last mile, God and I were talking about what it means to push beyond.  I know what I am capable of in my own strength physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.  I am the one who puts limits on what I do because I forget that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in me!  (Romans 8:11)  And I forget that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!  (Philippians 4:13)

I limit myself in my relationships when I say, "I just can't give anymore."  I limit myself in my job when I say, "I'm just not smart enough."  I limit myself in my relationship with God when I say, "There just isn't enough time for me to sit and pray."  I limit myself in ministry and the things God has called me to do when I say, "What if people think I'm crazy, or don't understand, or don't accept me?"  And those are just a few examples of the places that I restrict what God can do in and through me.

This afternoon, I read Hebrews 11-the faith hall of fame.  I would venture to guess that all of those heroes of the faith had their doubts about whether they could do what God had called them to do.  The Bible is filled with examples of people who argued with God when He spoke to them.  Jonah tried to run away.  Some even denied and hid from their callings.  In the end, though, each one of them was obedient and fulfilled God's purposes.

Hebrews 12:1-3 follows the faith hall of fame saying: 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.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

I'm convicted.  Everything that hinders includes my doubts and fears and the limitations that I've set for myself.  I need to put it all aside and run with perseverance the race that God has marked out for me.  It looks hard and tiring and painful, but that's why the very next sentence of Hebrews 12 says, "let us fix our eyes on Jesus."  When my eyes are fixed on Jesus, nothing else matters.  Only Jesus.  And verse 3 promises that if I fix my eyes on Jesus, I will not grow weary and lose heart.  Such an incredible and amazing promise!

Today, I choose to push beyond what I think I am capable of doing, because Jesus is in me!  I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus and to do what He has called me to do.  I believe that the Lord will guide me always; He will satisfy my needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen my frame.  I will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.  (Isaiah 58:11)  I will not grow weary and lose heart!  I will push beyond!