State of Grace

Life's questions outnumber the answers.

That bothers me...

So I went for a run tonight. Searched for "An Evening With John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess" on my iPod (a mad, driving beat). Slipped the earbuds in their place. Slid the volume to almost max. Started running.

It was hot. The humidity, like my attitude, had risen throughout the afternoon. The air was still. Not long before sweat became my running companion. I kept on running - periodically pushing my glasses back up on my nose; pushing my earbuds back into their place - as the sweat drops accumulated.

After a few miles I turned a corner and started up a long, grueling hill. The beat in my earbuds kept me on task and in focus. I was determined. I was going to go the distance. Half way up the hill, the driving beat finished and a new song started - this one, a bid slower. I reached for the iPod in my side pocket. Pulled it out. Looked at the display. I read the song title, "State of Grace".

Now, let me pause and tell you what went through my mind at that moment...

I was trying to earn God's answers to my questions. I felt that if I ran long enough, answers would magically appear. Then I envisioned Christ the night he was betrayed. You remember the scene. He left the disciples and went off to pray to the Father and uttered these words:

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done." -Luke 22 (bold mine)

That moment in the garden, He had more questions than answers too. And sweat was his companion just like mine.  There was even a hill involved, just like the hill I was running. I want to say I can identify with Christ. But it's more accurate to say that Christ identifies with me. His choice to come to earth put Him in perfect position to know exactly what I am feeling and sensing in my life right this very moment.

Now, back to my run...

So, I reached the top of the hill and started walking. The journey up the hill, as I entered a "State of Grace," I realized I don't have to earn the answers to my questions. I don't have to earn anything. I walked until I caught my breath. Then I started running again until I reached the car.

Life's questions still outnumber the answers.

But I run with a God who identifies with me. I run in a "State of Grace".

For now, that's good enough for me.

image credit

I hope you've found this to be true in your life as well. Have you ever tried to earn the answers to your questions, only to find Christ is all you need?

Comments

[Bill (cycleguy)]

Way too often Scott. I don't run...I cycle. I don't have earbuds...I have the beat of a song in my head. But I have to remember on those climbs to put one pedal down and then the next and the next until I have hit the summit. Not always is that a fun thing. I finally learned that climbing hills can actually be done and fun: find the gear that best suits me and pedal with my eyes focused on the top. I have to stop thinking how tired I am and how weary my legs feel. I have to focus on the top. Same with my life in Christ. I have to give up thinking of myself and my strength. I have to keep my eyes on jesus. Thanks for this post Scott. Even though I am not a runner it resonated in me.

[MichaelDPerkins]

I loved this and not just as an avid runner. Running in His grace, walking in his grace, jogging in His grace...just to be in His grace is enough.

For a long time, I tried to do everything. (Guessing it's because of my upbringing in sports) But I'm cool not knowing it all now. Deut 29:29

[Jay Cookingham]

A state of grace is where I want to live always. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and encouragement.

[Scott Couchenour]

Bill - thanks for the keen insight. "Focus on the top" is a good thing, especially when the "top" is Jesus Christ. BTW, I wouldn't advise earbuds when riding. Could be hazardous to your health :)

[Scott Couchenour]

Michael - Thanks for your note. I'm glad you're not trying to do everything anymore. Let Christ guide you. His yoke is easy. BTW, didn't know you were an avid runner. Have you finished any marathons, 1/2 marathons, 5Ks?

[Scott Couchenour]

Jay - Thank you for taking the time to visit. I always appreciate your comments. Stay strong, man!