Living Above Your Circumstances

It is a race of patience, perseverance, hardships, and blessings that requires us to run with the end in mind.

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A few months ago, while swimming at night, I noticed my reflection in the glass ceiling of the indoor pool.

Later I discovered if I look closely, I can make out a faint reflection in broad daylight.

I imagine what I see in that mirrored reflection is what God sees when He looks down from heaven. A middle-aged woman moving intentionally along her journey toward the cross (Jesus) at the end of her “lane.”

The first thing that caught my attention as I focused on my reflection was just how slowly I was going.

God reminded me that the journey is not about speed but steadfastness. The race of life is not really a “race” at all. It’s not about when we finish but how.

We’re not competing against other people but against the ways of the world—against evil, corruption, desires of the flesh, ungodly temptations, and the devil in all his manifestations.

In the race of faith, salvation is our ticket; Godly training, self-discipline, and reliance on the Lord is our fuel; and being welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father is our finisher’s medal.

Nothing else matters.

It’s not about finishing first, but developing an unwavering faith—believing wholeheartedly, without hesitation, that God is with us and for us (Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:31-39), while also asking Him to help us in our unbelief (Mark 9:24).

It is a race of patience, perseverance, hardships, and blessings that requires us to run with the end in mind.

We run for an imperishable crown and to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” The joy of this moment set before us enables us to endure our “crosses.”

The second thing that caught my attention was my form.

It wasn’t perfect—in fact, it was far from it. My arms weren’t straight, and my hands were not angled just right to effectively catch and pull the water.

We are quick to criticize or condemn ourselves, but God reminded me that He sees us through a lens of love and grace.

We are no longer bound by the Covenant of the Law but set free through the blood of Jesus! Because of His finished work on the cross, God sees us as righteous and accepted (Romans 3:21-22). We are created anew in Him (1 Corinthians 5:17)!

The voice that leads you to condemn or compare,
That tells you you’re helpless or your situation is beyond repair…

It is LYING to you.

The voice that whispers, “you’re worthless,”
“You’re all alone and forgotten,”
That says fear is a natural reaction,
And you should listen to it…

It is NOT from the Lord.

 

This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Jen Roland

The views and opinions expressed by Kingdom Winds Collective Members, authors, and contributors are their own and do not represent the views of Kingdom Winds LLC.

About the Author

Fueled Fit Focused was inspired by my passion for healthy living, my faith, and my desire to help others move from frazzled to focused and from a full, busy life to a fulfilling, purposeful one. I help women cultivate positive lifestyle habits for their mind, body, and soul with their faith as a foundation for sustainable change. This is accomplished through personalized coaching, speaking, workout sessions, and writing. I provide practical tips for simplified, healthy living so we can move toward wholeness together. To learn more about my ministry, visit www.jenroland.com or connect with me on Facebook @coachjenroland or Instagram @jenroland.

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