Yesterday I took on a new challenge. I went to the gym to lift weights and get back in shape. I am determined my life will be one of strength and vitality. Today, I am looking for the number of the truck that ran over me in the middle of the night! WOW! Brings new meaning to “pain=gain” or some such pithy saying.

Life is meant to be overcome. This is an overcoming moment in it. I will do this. My friend who helped me get started said this to me, “don’t let anyone laugh at you”. So now, I have to overcome weights and people. Anything else? Yep, after I did the weights I went to walk. And my left knee gave out nearly pulling me to the ground. (It had been brutalized in a couple of sports accidents over the years.)

I won’t give up. I am not a quitter. After writing about a young person yesterday who just became one of my new heroes I get it. Perseverance. Patience. “Never, ever give up!”

Years ago friend of mine wrote a book, More Than Conquerors. The life of a missionary and his faithfulness. Some nearly 40 years later he is still out there. Traveling the world.

What is your plan? What is your dream?

Dream-Last night I was in a large motor boat driving through a boat “parking lot” looking for a way out. As I looked out I realized the next lake was lower and I thought, “there will be locks”. Nope! A water slide of sorts. The boat made it. We made it. But what was that all about? Sometimes your pathway to get somewhere takes you to places that there is no other way. Some of you are experiencing that. You are thinking “Lord! I can get off any time.” But you can’t. Your sense of freedom has seemingly disappeared. But your freedom of choice then now limits your present time and space.

I often tell my grandchildren, it is a “one or the other” opportunity. Sometimes it is food or a treat, other times about an event. You choose and your freedom is limited to the choice.

Many years ago I was in a rock climbing experience with someone else. As we got to a certain place, I saw the tell tale signs of fear. They were wanting to make another choice. I could see it. Their “new” choice had the potential to kill us. I had to get them focused on the goal. Another time I was involved in a crash. As I surveyed the crash from the inside, I saw flames. They became my incentive for getting out of their. My exit through a tiny opening severely dislocated my shoulder, but living was more important than disfigurement at that point.

My long term with the gym is to become healthier than I am. Not to impress others.

Your freedom has choices. It may also have pain and effects others do not incur, but it is your journey. Your walk. Your challenge to overcome.

Begin to apply your faith to the challenges of your life. For some it may be family or relationships. For others finances or sickness. Whatever your challenge is, He has settled faith in your life to be used, employed to bring about change. He is not going to do that for you. He has delivered the gift of faith to us. It is our choice to open it.

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
― Corrie ten Boom

Written by Lee Johndrow

Lee is the Senior Leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH

He is the father of five wonderful children. Married for over 26 years to his wife Tina. Loving life with family, friends, faith, fun and food!