Declaring Defeat is Not an Option

“Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 CSB

Hey Mama,

Do you ever feel exhausted and just want to throw your hands up and quit? I’m sure you might be thinking…. Either a resounding “YES” or “What is she thinking for asking such a stupid question?”

See, here lately, I have had several storms of life roll my direction and at times, it seemed like more than I could bear. Honestly, as a mama, it’s hard to always carry the weight of your entire family along with your own personal burdens. So, I’m just going to be real with you, I have wanted to throw in the towel and declare defeat. I didn’t want to keep on going. I didn’t want to keep running. I was too exhausted and brokenhearted.

If you can relate, I want to tell you something important – I get you. I understand.

There are days where being a wife and a mama are easier than others, but then there are days when I just want to run and hide. Those run and hide days are days when the hardships and heartbreak that have been thrown my way to personally have to walk through is just too much to try to hide and everything just comes crashing down. Ever been there?

I truly have, which is why I want to encourage you sweet mama.

Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t give up. Don’t throw in the towel and declare defeat. Just don’t.

Our key verse offers us some encouragement. “Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize.” 1 Corinthians 9:24 CSB

But how?

The only way for us to run in such a way to win the prize is to keep our eyes locked on Jesus. The storms of this life will keep pounding against us. Life’s storms are relentless and powerful.

But may I whisper a truth to your soul? Our God is more powerful than the storms. He speaks peace and the winds and waves MUST obey His voice. They have no choice. They are under His command.

You may feel like you can’t go on and that you really don’t want to go on. I get it. Really, I do.

Which is why I am writing these words to you. Someone in my life recently whispered these truths to my soul. She helped me take my eyes off the wind and the waves and helped me put my eyes back on my Jesus. Which was exactly what I needed.

Our God is a waymaker, life-sustainer, peace-giver, storm-whisperer kind of God. He’s got you and He won’t let you go.

Sweet friend, run to Him. I can’t think of a better prize than resting in Him.

 


 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for sending encouragement to me through dear friends you have placed in my life. Thank you for reminding me that you are the Master of the storm, and you bring peace to my overwhelmed soul. I pray for my dear friend who is reading these words. Please speak peace to her soul and remind her that she’s not alone. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Dig Deeper:

“I call to you from the ends of the earth, when my heart is without strength, lead me to a rock that is high above me. For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower in the face of the enemy.”

Psalm 61:2-3 CSB

“Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves. So, they ceased, and there was a calm.” Luke 8:24b CSB


Reflection:

What are you struggling with today?  Hop over to our Facebook or Instagram page and let me know how I can pray for you.