I’ve never heard God audibly speak, but two years ago, I did receive a “Message from God” in a very unlikely way. This two-word message gave me hope and I pray it does the same for you.
I had just moved my family to a new city and was serving as a pastor in a new church. The transitions and pressures of life and ministry with a young family were beginning to feel overwhelming. I felt exhausted, misunderstood, frustrated, discouraged and near the end of my rope. I wanted to quit. For the first time in my adult life, I wanted to do anything but ministry!
I was sharing all of this with my amazing wife one night and finally in frustration, I stood up from the couch and began to stomp around the living room like a toddler and said, “God, it feels like you are being completely quiet right now! Where are you? I could really use a message from you. Just tell me what I’m supposed to do here!”
I plopped back on the couch in frustration and threw my feet up on the coffee table. My wife said,“You’ve got something stuck on your foot.”
I looked down and there was a sticker on my heel. It must have been left on the floor by one of my kids. As I peeled it off to look at it, I had to catch my breath because I was overwhelmed by what it said. I was (and still am) convinced that sticker on my foot was as clear a Message from God as I have ever received. It simply said, “KEEP GOING!”
That marked a turning point in my attitude and my perspective. I wrote the date “6-30-10″ on that sticker and placed it on the front page of my Bible as a constant reminder to Keep Going. God gave me the strength to press through that difficult season, and very quickly, almost every area of life and ministry began to improve.
We’ve all had moments where we’ve felt like giving up and moments where we’ve wondered where God is in all of it.. Maybe you’re in one of those moment right now in your marriage, your work or life in general. I pray that you are reminded that God is with you, He is for you, He will carry you through the struggle, He will bring Purpose from your Pain and He will reward your Faithfulness. Just Don’t Give Up. Keep Going until you reach the Finish Line!
“…And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2