Isaiah 40:31 NLT
Fliers, Runners, Walkers
Watchman Nee wrote a best-selling book entitled The Normal Christian Life. Why such a title? Because only when you understand what’s "normal” in Christian living, will you be able to recognize which season you’re in, evaluate your circumstances accurately, and adjust. At one point Paul raises a man from the dead; at another point he writes, "We despaired even of life” (2Co 1:8). The Bible says, "Elijah was a man just like us” (Jas 5:17 NIV). Yet one day he’s calling down fire from heaven, the next day he’s suicidal and in the depth of depression. Now, you can’t use this as an excuse for spiritual lethargy, but you must be discerning. Faith doesn’t exempt us from life’s seasons; it just enables us to go through them victoriously. So:
(1) If you’re a flier: If you’re being blessed by God and experiencing success beyond your natural abilities, enjoy it. But always remember, your ability to fly comes from God – not you. Forget that, and down you’ll go!
(2) If you’re a runner: Thank God you’re still in the race. Don’t compare yourself with high fliers or you’ll get discouraged, and don’t compare yourself with walkers or you’ll become proud. Just keep running and your time will come.
(3) If you’re a walker: Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Some days pain, discouragement and fatigue make it impossible to fly high or run; all you can do is walk without fainting, and even that’s hard. No problem; give yourself permission to be where you are. Walking counts with God. When it’s the best you can do – it’s enough!
