Running Blind

So yesterday as part of the sermon illustration I heard about runners who are blind, following nothing more than their guide's voice. It completely intrigued me, and I went home and looked them up. I mean, how on earth do you run if you're blind, right? I trip when my eyes are wide open.

Sure enough, watch this clip:

And as I looked farther, I found sprinters at the Paralympics who actually tether themselves to their guides. By just their fingers! These men and women run faster than I ever have in my life!

And all because they're tied to and listening for the one who CAN see.

That's the key, right? Unfortunately, all too often when we can't see where we're headed, we think God's not working in our lives. But faith is the confidence in what we hope for and the assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

We're not always going to see the finish line, but it's there. And we've got to believe our God can get us to it. Even in our darkest moments, He is still at work. Quiet the other voices around you--telling you you're not enough, telling you your sins are too big, telling you God's deserted you--and hone in solely on His. Beckoning you. Calling you. Leading you.  Tether yourself to Him. Lean into Him. Rely on Him.

He is there.

Even if you can't see Him.

He is speaking,

Even if you cannot hear Him.

Because He's God and the Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you (just like those guides); he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged. (Deuteronomy  31:8)

So tell the other voices around you to hush-up. Grab onto your faith and press onward. Trust He'll make sure you cross the finish line--because He will. And run with abandon toward Him.

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him (that's YOU!) endured the cross. Hebrews 12:1b-2a (words in parenthesis are mine)

So I've got to know. Are you a runner? Or like me, do you trip over your own two feet?