Do you wear a fitness watch to count your steps? Sometimes I do, but I don’t wear it most days because I find it to be more of a distraction. Once I’ve reached my goal in steps, mine will light up with fireworks to celebrate that I have achieved my goal for the day. While I don’t consistently wear my fitness watch, I appreciate that it celebrates my achieved goals. What’s greater is that I know Jesus celebrates with us! And Jesus is the One who can help us reach the right pace to achieve our intentions.
There are times I rush ahead while other times I hold back in indecision. As I’ve thought about this, I have sensed the Holy Spirit reminding me to set the right pace. What pace is that?
We’re to run with perseverance the race marked out for us. When I hear “run,” I immediately think, I need to go fast. But what if God wants me to set my pace slower, so I don’t miss out on the gentle whispers of His voice along the way?
While I like to try to set a fast pace when I’m running, I know I don’t always need that fast pace in my everyday life.
Some days, it seems like the world would love to count our steps, too! Our culture pushes us out the door, tells us to go faster, and do more. The world sells over-functioning as the key to moving forward.
And then there is the voice of Jesus.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.I do not give to you as the world gives.
John 14:27
With Jesus, we can have a pace of peace. Setting a pace of peace is what helps us move forward. While culture pushes us to things that are wishful and fast-paced, Jesus gives peace that is real and always present. Instead of rushing ahead, we can be still and set a pace of peace.
Do we sometimes get caught up in measuring ourselves by the crowds? I start at the back of the line when I take off to run for a 5k race. I let the faster people get ahead of me, allowing me to set my own pace. If not, I’ll get distracted in the midst of the crowd. If I start with the fast runners, I will try to keep up, knowing I can’t stay at their pace.
I admire the pace of Jesus. Jesus did the Father’s will. He recognized when the harvest was ready. He also knew when it was time to wait.
In our waiting, do we rush ahead? I’ve jumped ahead many times but am recognizing that it’s okay to move forward with a steady pace. When we measure our life by someone else’s, do we try to create a new recipe for our life when the original recipe was fine all along? Do we get caught up counting our steps when Jesus wants us to embrace the moment of now?
God has designed each of us to take part in a great harvest. I believe we’ll enjoy the harvest as we set a pace of peace. We don’t have to rush it. We only have to follow the Spirit. Follow the pace of the Spirit.
What pace do we set? Let Jesus set the pace, not culture or the suggestions from others.
If Jesus says, “Go,” then go. If Jesus says, “Wait,”, wait. I’m setting my pace a little slower so I can hear the voice of my Savior. When I step forward, wait, and listen, I know Jesus is cheering me on.
We find our place when we set the right pace.
Much needed this…thank you for sharing this sometimes we get so caught up in our daily activities that we lose focus! Srnding hugs!
Beautiful Mel!!!
Good morning Mel good word.
As I set here reading this I think of the microwave mentality that so many people have. If you stop at a drive through and take take to consider your order somebody behind you will get angry. I am pushing 81 years right now and thinking back over the years I think of the things I have missed because I thought “I don’t have time.” For one I know I have missed blessings from the Lord because I did not take time for him. What I am trying to say with this rambling slow down take time to enjoy days here because the best is yet to come if you accept Christ. Consider this yesterday is gone you can’t change it tomorrow never comes it is always today. So enjoy today it may be great it may be rough but whatever the Lord has you in his hands. As Charlie Brownsaid “enjoy today because it is a gift that is why it is called the present.
Love this so much!!!! Allow Jesus to set the pace!
Jerry, I loved what you shared as well! Each day truly is a present.
Thank you Melanie for this message! I can be so impatient. I am learning to slow down and while it’s not easy in this fast paced world we live in, I am seeing that it is necessary. When we study Gods word we can’t speed read. We must slow down and look at the message He is giving.