One afternoon, I decided it was time to begin riding my bike again. I was full of hope and optimism, setting a goal for myself to ride for nothing less than an hour. Just like that, I began peddling down the trail, eager to accomplish my goal.

20 minutes into it and I could begin to feel the tightening in my legs. I tried to find a gear that would let up on the resistance to remove this uncomfortable feeling. Unfortunately, nothing seemed to work. As excuses began to flood my mind, the temptation to head back home seemed rather enticing.

At that moment, I felt the Lord raise the question:

“How often do we look for a gear to lighten up the pressure when life is uncomfortable?”

We desire the results but are not always willing to press through the resistance that come our way.

I realized if I wanted to reach my goal, I would need to fix my focus and welcome the resistance. The tension was not something to be afraid or to avoid but instead it would be the very thing that I needed.

RISING UP IN FAITH

Do you have a God size dream? Are you waiting for a promise God has spoken to you through His Word? The waiting can feel like a sense of resistance in our lives and our faith is tested when we face the impossible.

The moment I focused on what was uncomfortable, my view quickly changed from optimism and hope to discouragement and doubt. These are the moments we are left with a choice. A choice to release control and exercise our faith muscle OR we can limit ourselves and run to what is comfortable.

What are you focused on?

Resistance training is accomplished by causing microscopic damage or tears to the muscle cells. Our body quickly repairs itself and supports the muscles to regenerate and grow stronger.

This is similar to our faith walk. In the resistance we are refined and we sense our self-will break. This creates room for God to repair and strengthen us. Our faith is purified and God’s power is released as we embrace the promise set before us. No longer allowing our momentary circumstances to grip our hope but picking up the shield of faith to push us forward.

ALONG THE JOURNEY

Shortly after the Lord prompted the question, I noticed these rocks placed along the trail. It was as if the Lord winked at me as He continued the conversation. Although faith is the essence of our walk, we would still need to be reminded that we don’t need to do it alone. Instead, we surround ourselves with community cheering us on to have “hope” and to “smile.”

Maybe you’re in a season where the pressure of life is causing you to want to give up and “head back home.” But allow me to encourage you to remove your focus on the discomfort and allow this scripture to empower you to keep peddling.

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“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

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Don’t you just love that?!

He has personally gone ahead of you, making a way to step into your next breakthrough. He has not left you in the waiting to try figure it out on your own but instead, He is actively working on your behalf! Remember, “For YOU are trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And YOU will find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses YOU to conquer every difficulty.” (Ephesians 4:13)

Keep your focus on the goal friend because you’re about to ride into your next upgrade!

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PRAYER:

Lord, I thank you for teaching me to walk by faith and not by sight. When I feel a sense of discomfort or fear, I choose to take my eyes off my circumstances and instead I turn my eyes back to you. Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader, believing in me more than I at times believe in myself. In the moments my faith is tested, remove the unbelief that crowds my heart. Remind me that you are my source of my strength and will indeed get me to the other side better and stronger than where I started.

In your precious name Jesus, Amen!

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ACTIVATION:

The main take away from this devotion is to reroute our focus onto what is true. The first question you will need to ask yourself is, what are you focused on that is causing you discomfort or fear? Maybe you’re contending for healing, finances, family, or a broken heart.

One thing I have come to realize when I face difficulties, there is this desire to want to control my environment and “fix” what is causing my discomfort. It may provide immediate relief only to prove it’s a short lived sense of peace.

The only true way to experience authentic peace is SURRENDER. I know, scary right? But when we reach this place in our hearts to surrender our lives to God we experience a beautiful exchange. No longer do we feel life’s heavy load but instead a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Take time and reflect on what is weighing you down and challenge yourself to bring it to God and trust he will provide what you need in this area. You were not made to do this on your own, so let’s not try to.

Put on “Praise Before My Breakthrough” By: Bryan & Katie Torwalt and rest in God’s promises!

Here are a few scriptures you can personalize as you believe God for your breakthrough:

• Read James 1 (TPT) It’s a beautiful chapter on endurance.
• Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Matthew 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
• Psalm 147:3 “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
• Psalm 23:1 “Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough.^“