Made for More: Sustained

2 Corinthians 1:9-10 “But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.  And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again.”

The other day, I went out for a run.  It was a beautiful spring day, and God seems to renew my spirit when I get outside and push my body to its physical limit.  One of the things I am working on is pace. When I get excited while running, I can push too hard.  I pick up my pace to a place that is not sustainable.  This will inevitably cause my heart rate to climb to a point where I need to walk for a while before I can run again.  It has been difficult for me to find the right pace while running.  It can be difficult to find the right pace to live as well! 

In Ephesians 5, Scripture gives a number of practical ways to run the race of life that God has created for us.  First, we need to recharge our spirit.  Life is hard, but God is good.  He wants us to live as children of the light! We can soak up his love in worship and by listening to his voice daily.  Second, we need to practice self-care.  God gave us a body to live in!  We need to care for it!  If we want to sustain the race that God has given us, we need to rest, eat well, and confront the addictions that tempt us to escape.  Third, we need to speak positively.  Paul encourages us to speak to each other with psalms, hymns, and the truth.  Finally, we need to meet someone’s need.  It may seem counter-intuitive to reach out to someone else when we are tired or stressed, but God can refresh us when we minister to others. 

How about you? Is there a chance that your soul is running on fumes?  Are you moving at a pace that is unsustainable?  Are you disciplined enough to run the race that God has laid out for you? 

Take a few moments to read and reflect on Ephesians 5 and reflect on your life.  How can you live in a way that is more sustainable?