Devotionals

I DON'T LIKE IT

by Tammy Ortung 
04/25/21
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Even after twenty-five years in the military, I never learned to enjoy running. While it got easier as time went on, I never experienced that “runners high” I’d heard so much about. I remember silently singing “The Joy of the Lord is my Strength” anytime I was ordered to run long distances. For me, that was anything over two miles—these days, it's significantly less than that.

At some point in our lives, we all have to do things we don’t necessarily enjoy. We lovingly care for elderly parents—though it kills us to watch them slowly lose their independence (and sometimes their dignity) as their health declines. We deal with disrespectful, pesky teenagers—though at times we’d much rather ring their necks.  We have to go to work each day—though we’d much rather sleep in. We eat healthy and exercise—though we’d rather skip the workout and eat whatever we want… and the list goes on.

As life happens, we need to keep our eyes on God and follow His commands because everything we experience is all part of God’s plan. We can trust that He will use everything that happens for His glory. “Rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

What is God calling you to rejoice, pray, and give thanks about today?