Ever watched a kettle boiling water? The water gradually heats up and starts to boil and boil, bubbling forth, releasing vapour. Then the kettle safety switch stops the process just before that water can spill over. We are like that water in our Creator’s hand; strife and turmoil makes us heat up on the inside and we start to boil to a dangerously high temperature. But something amazing happens when we turn to God in prayer; He turns on the safety valve and we are rescued from a meltdown situation.
Many marathon runners quit just before the final kilometre of the race. Their bodies simply won’t go on. Some runners get cramps, some collapse and some just surrender. I have witnessed a few runners fall yet agonizingly pick themselves up and painfully make their way forward. I have also seen someone crawl to the finish line. What makes them go on when their bodies have almost surrendered? It is the inner strength that they draw on in that final phase!
When we are faced with overwhelming challenges and everything inside of us is melting and we feel we can’t go on, what do we do? The natural urge to quit. Many people bail out at this point; they surrender to their situation. But when we tap into the supernatural force within us and cry to God for help, it is not the situation that changes but something inside us that does. Like that boiling kettle, the switch clicks and we are saved from overheating. 1 Corinthians 19:13 (NIV) says, “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Instead of quitting, look to God and He will empower you to face your challenge. When you are empowered, something happens to your situation. Mark 11:23 (NET) says, “I tell you the truth, if someone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.” Interestingly, the creative miracle starts in the person before it can impact the situation. When we turn to God, He does a work in us first before He changes the situation.
When faith arises within us, we are energized from the inside to affect the outside. Things start to happen; we start to change and that inner force steers us on to face our battles. We charge ahead, like that battered and bruised marathon runner. When we reach the finish line, thunderous applause follows in heaven. We made it through!
God is faithful so hold onto His promises. Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Don’t quit, ever! ◊
Linda Pearl
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