Those Fickle Israelites (and why I am no better than they were)

I've always been annoyed with and flabbergasted by the Israelites. They walked out of Egypt with all the Egyptians' treasures, finally a free people. Then they got to the Red Sea and freaked out - because surely they would die, either in the sea or at the hand of Pharaoh and his army. So God parts the waters and the Israelites are again saved and their enemies are destroyed. But that wasn't enough for them; they cowered down and wouldn't enter the land God promised to give them because they heard the people who lived there were giants. And over and over it continued. God did big things, the Israelites worshiped Him, the Israelites had a crisis of faith and faltered. I grow weary reading it. And I can't believe how ridiculous they were.

I have come to fully realize, however, I am just like the Israelites. God has done the miraculous in our family. For us, it was as big a miracle as the parting of the Red Sea. But now I'm looking at the giants in the Promised Land and wondering what's going to happen and if God has this covered, too. Haven't I seen enough to know without a doubt that God is all powerful and all knowing? One would think so. But doubt and fear creep in so quickly and take root. 

God is not the author of doubt or fear. He wants us to remember what He has done and what He has said. I think even more than those, though, He wants us to remember Who He is. Christ came to give abundant life, not a fearful and worrisome existence. God has been faithful - always, but especially in the last few weeks - to bring to my mind Scripture I have memorized. I haven't spent nearly enough energy memorizing in the last few years, but my mom had a secret weapon when I was a kid: GT and the Halo Express. They are kids' stories with Scriptures set to music. I had to know all the songs on one cassette before she would buy me the next one. Almost without even trying, I have verses coming to my mind and calming my heart. I learned most of them before I was 10. (Moral of this little story - get your kids memorizing Scripture. Brownie points if it's to music. Bonus: GT and the Halo Express is on CD now! I need to get them for my kids...)

God has also given me a new-found love of running - and my runs have become time to clear my mind and even have some personal worship. If you see a crazy lady running down the street with hands raised, tears flowing, and lips moving, just keep on driving. I participated in a half marathon a couple weeks ago and decided to pray for people and situations at each mile marker. This tactic helped pass the time and gave me some quality chatting time with God. When my heart is focused on Christ, the fear and stress dissipate. He quiets my heart and reminds me of Who He is and what He has done - not just in the Bible but in my own life. My faith is strengthened by these reminders and times with Him. (Also, a run is a lot better for me than my previous counselors, Ben & Jerry. Mmm. I think I left something in the freezer other room. Be back in a minute.)

I'm about to have a LOT more praying and running time - I have registered for my first full marathon. It is the Soaring Wings Marathon in October and it benefits the Soaring Wings Ranch in Conway, AR. The ranch is a Christian organization that provides a safe, structured environment for children who need it. I have run the Soaring Wings Half Marathon and am excited to participate in their first full marathon. I have signed up to be a Winged Warrior for the race, which means I am collecting donations for the ranch as I am training for the race. I did this for 2 reasons. 1) I want to help this ministry and support the kids and staff. 2) I am a bit overwhelmed by the idea of running a full marathon. Asking people to donate to the ranch adds an extra layer of accountability for me. If you choose to donate, you get a free pass to ask me how my training is going and whether or not I'm fueling my body well (i.e.: Is that your first cupcake this week, Jennifer? Didn't I see you at Sonic earlier today?) And I will try not to won't hit you in the face for asking. ;)

My goal is to raise $1,000 for the Soaring Wings Ranch. It sounds a little daunting, but that is just 100 people giving $10. For me, that basically is couple of grande flat whites with hazelnut syrup. If you would like to support the ranch, you can follow this link and help me raise some money! It's a great way to help kids be in a Christ-centered home and overcome obstacles they face.

I know God has a wonderful plan in the works for my family. While I wait to see the next part unfold, I'm going to run and pray and raise funds for the Soaring Wings Ranch - and watch His plan play out for them, as well. Join me by praying, giving, or even running with me! (Last I saw, there were still about 250 full marathon spots left and a lot of half spots, as well.)

For now, I'm going to rest at the place I keep returning: God is good. He is faithful. And His mercies are new every morning.