"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 perserverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector 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." Hebrews 12.1-3

in the fall, we were two miserable students sitting in anthropology class attempting to occupy the lecture time with anything but what the professor wanted to say so, we began reading a blog. it's the story of libby ryder and her battle against cancer. since september, God has used libby's story to awaken in us a realization of the story he has written for our own lives. libby has shown us what it means to set our eyes on Jesus and run, with reckless abandonment, into the arms of the Father. libby's friend angie has decided to run a half marathon in celebration of the end of libby's chemo and, lord willing, her cancer. following libby's example, we are joining in the celebration. we. are. not. runners. we are scared. we are full of doubts. but, we are inspired. the past year has been full of triumphs and tribulations for us, too. this is a physical representation of us throwing off everything that has hindered and entangled- pain, heartache, doubt, shame- and running to Jesus and basking in his grace. this run is for libby. this run if for freedom. our only hope is that He will be glorified.

"Let us hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have broken rejoice!" Psalm 51.8

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

willing?

as i was ready today's nugget in my utmost for his highest, jesus challenged me:


"How many of us are willing to spend every bit of our nervous, mental, moral, and spiritual energy for Jesus Christ?...Is it simply to be saved and sanctified? No, it is to be at work in service to Him. Am I willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine for Him?"
when i woke up today, i was not willing. i am tired. exhausted might be a better word. last night, my priorities were out of whack and i stayed up way too late doing homework that could have easily been done if i hadn't napped yesterday afternoon. more importantly, i wasn't "working wholeheartedly as if working for the Lord". today, i don't want to run. at all. but if i'm honest, today i don't really want to do much of anything- i'd like to just sleep. 
it's not about me.
oh if i could count the number of times my monument of self righteousness has come crashing down. not only in this journey, but in my journey with Christ in my life thus far. i must become less so that He can become more. i know that my worth and joy comes from being with Jesus. my prayer is that this day can turn into an offering to Him- the only one who could compel me with willingness to run. i do not want to run. but i am willing, because Jesus was willing to run the race that brought us to the Father. and i am thankful for that. today, that's what i will remember.
"It is not that we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God."
2 Corinthians 3:5
han- i couldn't do this without you. your accountability pushes me. on the days when i don't want to go, you are fired up. on the days you are scared, i am ready. this isn't by chance. we were meant to run this race together.
i still wish 1 o'clock would delay its arrival.
willing...i think,
Julia

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1 comment:

  1. libbyFebruary 15, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    julia. if i were you i would take a nap and maybe thinking about running later. that is more my style. real proud of you girls.

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