Counseling Corner - January 2011
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Counseling Article
January 2011
by Donna Ridge

Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) Therefore since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run the race marked out for us.

In Jeremiah 29:11 the Lord tells us that he knows the plans that He has for us, so as we are running, our race the Lord knows what we need to run the race, why we are running, the race, and who we need to run with us. As I was contemplating this, I looked at my own life and questioned am I running the Lord's "race" or have I somehow gotten off the path that I am suppose to be on? Especially as the New Year has started, I want to sure that I am in the center of God's will.

Sometimes it may not seem like it when you are not being used the way that you think God should be using you. We have preconceived ideas of how this "race" is to won. Through life experiences I have learned that all is not as it seems. Right now the employment I am in seems to be far from where the plan God has for me should be taking me. However, as various personalities call into the call center, the experience being gained can only come from actually being in the situation I'm in. God is there in the midst of it.

Throughout my life different people have come in and out of my life and I have come to realize that some are only in for the season that I'm in at the time, others have been lifelong friends. So what does this have to do with running, the race? As we meditate on God's Word and God's plan for our lives one thing is for certain He doesn't reveal it all at once. If he did' we might run the other way.

Let our prayer be to keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith and believe that He puts the people in our lives as we run the race and that we do not lose sight of why we are running the race or theurpose of the race- that is to be a light as light is to those who are in the darkness.

Donna Ridge
 
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Do not fear for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name and you are Mine! When you pass through the waters I will be with you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched. Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy one of Israel, your Savior." - Isaiah 43:1b-3