Embracing Resilience: A Lesson from the Gulf
As I sat by the serene waters of Northwest Florida’s gulf, I witnessed a remarkable scene unfold. Among the trio of sandpipers scurrying by, one caught my attention. This little bird had adapted to a remarkable extent, navigating life with one leg and a small stump. Despite this physical limitation, it soared through the skies with ease. However, it was its ability to thrive in the mundane, day-to-day struggles that truly inspired me.
Thriving in a World Not Designed for Us
Living with an unchangeable circumstance requires unwavering courage and determination. For this sandpiper, every step was a testament to its unrelenting spirit. While its peers moved effortlessly, it hopped alongside, refusing to let its disability hold it back. Its one-legged existence was a powerful reminder that obstacles can be overcome, and that hurdles can actually produce courage.
The Universality of Struggle
At times, life can feel like a precarious balancing act, where every step forward is a struggle. We may feel like we’re hopping from one hurdle to another, our progress hindered by the challenges we face. Yet, this resilient sandpiper teaches us that even in the most difficult circumstances, we can persevere.
Finding Strength in Faith
The Bible reminds us in Hebrews 12:1b-2a to “run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” In the face of adversity, it’s easy to lose sight of our goals and feel overwhelmed. But by fixing our eyes on Jesus, we can tap into a strength that allows us to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
A Prayer for Endurance
Dear Lord, thank you for the challenges we face each day. Help us to see them not as insurmountable hurdles, but as opportunities to grow and develop our faith. May we run the race of life with endurance, keeping our eyes fixed on You, and may we emerge stronger and more resilient as a result. Amen.
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