The Never Ending Gifts

My heart pounded and my calves ached as I paced up the slight rise in the pavement by my house. Two laps down, one to go. Only two more days to get in shape. We’ll see how this goes.

A girlfriend invited me to hike with her to a waterfall in the hills on Saturday—just the motivation I needed to get me exercising again. But judging from the shape I was in, it was liable to be more like a death march than a hike.

Funny, though. When I first started thinking of New Year’s resolutions, I wrote a list of things I should do—including exercise. Then I laid this list aside and opted to get closer to God with my 21 day connection challenge instead.

Now, here I was exercising.

Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Seek God, and he will provide what I need, including a good workout? Hmmm.

I continued thinking about the Bible verses I’d read earlier—my Connection Challenge Aid for the day—while I walked on. Jesus said not to worry about what to eat, drink, or wear. Fortunately, I didn’t worry much about those things. But what did I worry about?

My writing. The thought of facing a blank computer screen with that little curser beep, beep, beeping at me sent a knot straight to my stomach.

You of little faith. The words from my Bible passage jolted my heart. If I had more faith that God would provide the words I need to write, maybe writing would be a more pleasant experience.

I’ll find out soon. Today’s my writing day.

I stepped from the pavement, down my driveway, and through the front door. After stowing my coat, I turned on the computer and opened the file with my latest writing project.

Lord, please help me.

After a minute of reviewing what I’d already written, and another prayer about my next topic, a phrase popped into my head, then another. I wrote them down.

Forty-five minutes later I scrolled up the page, surprised by how much I’d written. All that, and with a calm stomach.

Thank you for your provision, Jesus.

What do you worry about? If you read Matthew 6:25-34, what stood out to you?

Below is tomorrow’s “Connection Challenge” exercise:

Premise: To receive God’s power and peace in my life, I need to be connected to Jesus (John 15:4-5).

Guidelines: For 21 days, my only goal will be to connect with Jesus throughout each day. I can also do any other activity if I can do it with Jesus.

Connection Aid: Day 4, Thursday January 9: Pray

Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV) says, “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” I will talk with Jesus throughout the day (pray), asking Him for guidance in all I do, listening with my heart, then doing what I believe Jesus wants me to do.