Cloud Of Witnesses

Safeco Field Fisheye HDR, originally uploaded by ArtBrom.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up...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.
Galatians 6:9 Hebrews 12:1

Our lives are often so unpredicatable. Like the seasons of the year we move from fruitfulness to barrenness, joy to sadness, fulfillment to frustration. God can seem so wonderfully close one moment and then we turn around and find He has hidden himself. 'Truly you are a God who hides himself'. Isa. 45:15. The truth is, we are being observed. We are not only being watched over by God Himself, but other spiritual forces are at work and are looking. There is a race to be run and God encourages us to presevere and not to faint or hold back. We need to take the kingdom by force. The grandstand is packed with spectators in this epic event called life. Those who have finished the race are waiting and watching.

I wonder if you are out of breath today? Weary of the race? Tired of waiting? I often feel like that and long for times of rest and refreshing. For times of quiet closeness with God, away from the blood, sweat and tears. I believe that God is working in us during these times, perhaps even more than the restful ones. At times like this all we can do is place ourselves in His gracious hands and wait upon Him. 'My times are in your hands.' Psalm 31:15. For that is the only place we will find the strength to get up and get going again. And that day will come. 'Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord'. Acts 3:19.