LEAVING HIM BEHIND

October 8, 2010 Most people, Christian or not, are familiar with the Footprints story. The end stanza where the Lord tells the author why there was only one set of footprints during the hard times puts a lump in the throat of even those with the most hardened of hearts.

"The time when you have seen only one set of footprints is when I carried you."

This week, amidst a storm of work tasks and family obligations, I also found myself alone on the beach. As I chatted to the Lord about all of my stresses -- the deadlines, the bills, my overcrowded daytimer -- I was stopped in my tracks, not by his response but by His silence. Hurt and agitated -- as I would be with any friend -- by the apparent indifference to my woes, I turned to look at Him. Seeing that He was no longer by my side, I looked back. There He was -- struggling to keep up, quickening His stride and straining to hear what I was saying.

He never stopped caring about my problems. I had just become so consumed with stress that I didn't realize that I'd left Him behind. In a week, I seem to have outpaced my Maker, the distance between us filled with my own neglect.

Sometimes, as we struggle to navigate the chaos of life, we forget that God wants us to walk with Him. He'll still carry us through the tough times but we'd do well to remember that checking in with Him regularly will ensure that He hears every word.

Have a glorious weekend -- we'll see you here Monday!

--E.V.

PRAYFIT: WEEK IN REVIEW Revisiting a week of updates, new features and fun facts

>> NEWS: PrayFit is hitting the road!

>> VIDEO: A welcome message from PrayFit founder Jimmy Pena

>> DISCUSSION: Does God call us to be fit?

>> FUN FACTS: How far did Jesus walk?