Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Overcoming Jealousy" applied

You know how it feels to almost enjoy seeing someone who you might envy fail at something? I can relate to that whole heartedly. There are certain people it almost pains me to see succeed.
Say this other person gets a job; suddenly that's the only job I ever wanted and I hate her for it.
Say she gets a great haircut. Instantly I'm bitter that I hadn't acted on my impulses and gotten that hair cut a month ago.
Say she has an unfortunate experience. My day is suddenly brighter.
I've always assumed my jealousy and envy had everything to do with this person because that's where it was focused. Today's breakaway podcast got me thinking differently:

"It's not even about THEM.. it's about you. The problem isn't the person, it's in you! And you want to know where the real problem is? It's not even between you and another person... You have a problem with God."

What? Come again? My problem isn't with this girl, but with God himself? You must be kidding me. I love God! He's given me everything in this world and there's no way I could ever hold any issue with myself against Him.

"Here's the hard fact tonight.. Whatever problem you feel like you have or inadequacy you believe you've got tonight, God could have fixed that. He could have made you cuter, funnier, more athletic, more talented... and He didn't, and that's the truth."
"He's not always fair, and he never said he would be, but he's good."

And there it is. He has given us these faults and "short comings" and problems within ourselves to overcome because it's all part of His plan for us.


Hebrews 12:1
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us."


"God has given you a different race, and so don't be jealous of others. God's got something for you and you don't know it yet, but you know Him, so run!"

You can imagine how ironic it was to hear this while I was actually running. I picked that specific message knowing jealousy was something I struggled with daily and got a little nod of affirmation that it was directed to me.
I've got no idea what my race is or where it's headed or if I've even left the starting gates, but I do know that my goal now is just to run, whole heartedly and with endurance.
I need this action of physically running to give myself quiet time with God. I am literally running away from all other distractions that could get in between me and Him. It gives my day a new sense of purpose and focus that I haven't had in forever. I feel more aware of how I treat others and my own body. I am able to let go of the reigns and just BE. It's a funny feeling.
Double post today. Yikes!

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