I had a dream over the week-end. In it, there was a woman running a cross country race, but she was new to the sport and just couldn't run as quickly as the other participants in the race. When the gunshot was fired, everyone would take off, but no sooner than the race began, she would be left behind by all the faster, stronger, more experienced athletes. This cycle would continue with each race she ran. Even still, this newcomer in my dream didn't give up.
Then, during one particular lap in a new race, after about 6 unsuccessful attempts, this determined runner began gaining tremendous speed and momentum. Eventually, she ran so fast that the movement of her legs seemed to be nothing more than a blur and she surpassed every single runner out on that track field. She literally blew past other powerful runners. "Wow!" I thought to myself, remembering how slow she had been previously. Just through sheer perseverance and refusal to give up, she went from dead last to first. She literally became unbeatable.
Why did she win? Because she kept on running and didn't stop... and we can't stop either.
You see, no one becomes a contender and immediately gets the prize. Life doesn't work that way, but sadly, we often hold a very destructive belief that we will emerge as the fastest, strongest, most powerful and productive individual right away, simply because God's favor is with us.
While God's favor does indeed help us and empower us in ways that exceed our natural capabilities, still, it is a process. The onus is on us to stay in the race, trusting God to give us the favor to finish it. As long as we keep putting one foot in front of the other and refusing to quit, we'll win.
But again, nothing happens overnight.
Remember, in order to see the fruit of anything manifested, there is a period of sowing in uncertainty. Never, ever forget that. At first, you'll get out there not knowing what the outcome will necessarily be. There's a scripture in Ecclesiastes 11:9 that the Lord led me to read directly after I woke up from my dream. It says, "In the morning sow
your seed, and in the evening withhold not your hands, for you know not
which shall prosper, whether this or that, or whether both alike will
be good." (Amplified Bible)
Now, I want you to notice something very important. The scripture instructs us to take an action, without knowing what will happen as a result of it. You've got to sow your seeds. Invest in your vision. Pursue your dreams. Cast down your net. Run your race. You won't always know what you're going to get, but I can guarantee you that, if you don't do anything at all, there will never be harvest left over for you to reap.
Here's a quote I like to use that helps me. It says:
"If you always worry about the out-come, you'll never come-out."
In other words, you won't come out of your shell and do what you're called to do if you allow fear of the unknown to rob you.
Today, God is urging you and me to get out on that field and run. I know there are some things He's urging me to do, that I don't necessarily know how to pull altogether. I'm sure you can relate to that too, but even if you and I start off slowly... at least we're starting.
I sense that God is telling you as you read this post today, not to be afraid simply because you may not have all the skill, experience, or resources you think you need to chase your destiny.
Action is required.
Granted, you and I may not start out winning, succeeding, prospering or being fruitful, but that's alright. No one can determine how long it will take to reap a harvest. But one thing is sure, you will reap if you don't faint. (Galatians 6:9)
We must keep on running through our own internal opposition, fear, insecurity, worry, and panic. When we continue to push and press on, we develop the discipline and perseverance we need to ultimately win the race that has been set before us.
Just keep on running and watch God give you the strength, favor and power to win your race. With divine guidance, discipline, and determination, you'll accomplish and achieve more than you ever thought possible for God's glory.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may you be empowered to prosper!
Dianna Hobbs
