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.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Beautiful photograph!
Great shot!

Alexander
Alex's World! - http://www.kakinan.com/alex
Joel Gill said…
Thank you for this post Mike! Be blessed!
zakscloset said…
that is so lovely. it helps to think that way especially since i've been sort of down since i got my exam results!! :^(
Wanda said…
This is a great post. Also love another verse in Psm. that says "Order my steps in Your Word, O Lord".

Blessings Mike.
Kim S in SC said…
Oh Mike. It is interesting because the last few days I kept repeating in my head, I'm just tired...then you have this and Angie has the music video. Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you to remind me to rest in HIM! Sweet rest!
Gudl said…
This is really good! Great thoughts.
michaelonbass said…
good stuff. caught me in a couple of those weary days here...thanks!
Suz. said…
LOVE this post!
"My times are in your hands" is one of my favorite verses. I believe the word "times" in Hebrew refers to seasons, and its good to know that after a dry season comes a refreshing rain!
TMM said…
Thank you, dear Mike, for this post. I was weary, thanks for encouraging me to continue running the race. We have a cloud of witnesses...all the men of God mentioned in Hebrews 11 from Adam till the last man who walked with God. Wow, are we known to them? =)We should be, we're special to the King!

Sid
a woman who is said…
Your post was timely for me also. Every point you mentioned hit the mark. I am going to go camp out in Acts 3:19
Gudl said…
I lift my eyes to the hills, where does my help come from...

Have a blessed day,Mike.
Angie said…
How encouraging. Thank you.
Maryellen said…
Great post. You said it so well. Good thoughts. Thanks

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