IT IS OK TO PAUSE IN THE RACE

by Tammy Phillips
October 11, 2020

And the Lord said to Moses, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NKJV)

As I told you yesterday, I had committed to do the APSU Scholarship 5K Virtual Run.  I did not really want to do it, but I had given my word.  I resolved to honor my commitment.   I decided I would spend the minutes praying for Austin Peay State University, the Peay-ple (students, faculty and staff) for the Peay president and various other things.  In other words, I invited the Presence of God, Holy Spirit to run the race with me.  

The course I chose was around a gorgeous lake in our neighborhood.  The loop was right at a half-mile.  Eight rounds and a little bit and I would accomplish my goal.  I began the Virtual 5k before the sun peaked above the horizon.  I started at a pretty fast pace to achieve my goal.  I realized after a few laps that I was not going to be able to keep that pace and that I needed to take slow down and take a pause.  This revelation happened as the sun began to reveal itself.  God masterfully painted the sky in my favorite colors. The masterpiece in the east changed each time I reached the west end of the loop.   He taught me that it was ok to take a pause and catch my breath.  It is ok to rest in the race of life. We have all heard, “Life is a marathon, not a sprint.  Train for endurance not speed. Pace yourself accordingly.”   

How comforting are the words of the Lord in Exodus 33:14, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”  He is with us and He gives us pause, the rest.  Where are you at in your marathon?

Overcoming sickness?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Fighting Cancer?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Battling sleepless nights?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

In the midst of a sudden passing of a loved one or friend?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Writing a big paper or presenting a project at work?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Lost dream job and  looking for  new path?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Dredging your way through school?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Buying groceries and preparing a meal?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Struggling to make ends meet?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Running a race that you do not want to run?
“My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

I encourage you to take comfort in that the Presence of the Lord will go with you.  He will give you rest. There is nothing we can to do, go through, attempt to accomplish nor anywhere you can go that the Lord’s Presence will not go with you.  He is running right with alongside. He keeps His word.  He will give you pause and let you catch your breath.