A few weeks back, hubby and I got busy preparing our trip from Orlando to Lexington. “Honey,” he said, “I’m concerned we won’t make it to our connecting flight. We only have 30 minutes and the gates are in opposite sides of Charlotte’s airport.”

I gave him a silly grin. “No worries, God’s got this.”

We boarded the plane, but the flight was late in departing. That meant we only had 20 minutes to meet our next flight.

The minute we landed, we jumped to our feet, squeezed among the passengers, and once the path was clear, we took off. Yes, we began to run, oh no, not a light jog, but a sprint. Hubby held one suitcase in the air with one hand, pulled the other suitcase with the other and I gripped his arm as we took off. We dashed, zig zagging between people in the crowded airport.

After 15 minutes of non-stop running, our hearts were beating furiously. But no time to worry about that. We could not miss the flight!

Finally, huffing and puffing, we arrived at the gate. But the gate was empty. The plane left us.

That meant only one thing—I also had something to leave behind and that was any and all traces of stress, sadness, or worry. These three invaders would have drained my joy. That wasn’t happening!

You’ve been disappointed like that, haven’t you?

Maybe not because you missed a flight, but because after you worked and worked, no results appear. You tried and tried to overcome, but the pain was still there. You ran and ran to meet your goal, but never reached it.

Your passion has vanished. You have been tempted to give up, and stress, sadness and worry are about to join you at the dinner table. But before you let them, consider this:

Wash away doubt because victory will arrive.

Sometimes disappointment is the driver of the vehicle of discouragement. We ride in it asking question after question: where was God while I tried so hard? Do I have what it takes? Do I even want to keep trying?

This psalmist might have ridden in that same vehicle and prompted him to ask similar questions:

“Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9 NIV)

The answer wasn’t so much in what he thought or how he felt. But the answer was in what he remembered:

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
and consider all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV)

Passion comes back when we consider this:

God sent Jesus to set us free (See John 3:16), gave us power not fear (See 2 Timothy 1:7), God fights our battles (See Exodus 14:14), and God promises His protection (See Psalm 91:1-2).

No stress, sadness or worry can ever overtake us when we remember God is cheering us on as we run under the banner of His grace. He holds up the flag of victory every time.

Without stress, sadness or worry, we can think clearer, we can walk in confidence and call upon the Lord’s power at work.

Happy to report that for hubby and me, His power was indeed at work. After we missed our flight, we dragged our feet to the customer service counter. Though exhausted, we still smiled. To our joy, the friendly agent put us in first class on the next flight. She even added dinner vouchers to use as we waited.

Let’s Pray: Father, I praise You for the way You clear the way, removing sadness, stress or worry. No matter what goal I’m after, I vow that negative emotions will be replaced by the reassurance You have the outcome prepared. In Jesus’ name.

What fills your heart as you run to meet your goals these days?

Janet P. Eckles
Igniting Your Passion to Overcome