It Takes Practice

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What if I asked you to run a marathon with me next Sunday?  What would you say to 26.2 miles in Boulder, Colorado at 5,280 feet of elevation? Hopefully “no,” because I don’t think I could make it to the finish line, even if you gave me 24 hours.  Why not?  Because I haven’t trained or practiced for the race.

Practice is at the front of my brain these days because our youngest daughter started playing basketball for the first time.  Every day when I drive her to practice, she doesn’t want to get out of the car and go into the gym because everything is new and challenging.  She’d rather stay and tell me how she can’t dribble or shoot or score.  I lovingly shove her out of the car and say “That’s why you’re going to practice.”

(It doesn’t help that she’s thirteen.  Her face is pimply, her teeth hurt from braces, and her lanky body trips and falls unpredictably.  Aren’t you so thankful middle school is only once in your life?)

No coach would put a team on the field without practicing.  No comedian would step on a stage without rehearsing. No teenage driver would show up to take their driver’s license test without practice.  Right?  What would happen it they did?  Failure, for sure.  So why do we rush through life without practicing Biblical principles that strengthen our faith?  When unknown or challenging times come our way, why do we panic instead of praise, complain instead of standing confidently, or worry instead of worship?  

Because we need more practice.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, clearly tells us to do three things – Praise, Pray and Give Thanks.  When we stop at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, look up to God and thank Him, we are practicing this truth from God in its’ entirety.  Great job team! 

Running our race of faith is like a marathon.  Life with God is a long road with many hills- sometimes you go up, sometimes you go down.  Storms bring unexpected challenges and detours can be expected.  Doesn’t it make sense to practice our faith daily so we’ll be stronger in our race? And remember, this race has eternal rewards far greater than any team trophy or marathon medal.   

So let’s get to practice, praise and thank God Today in Prayer.

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement