You have to watch the video above First!
This video is an amazing representation of a Father's love. Rick Hoyt told his Father that if they entered this race together that he wouldn't feel handicapped anymore. Dick Hoyt, Rick's father, was determined to do whatever it took so that his son didn't feel handicapped. His Father agreed, and he pushed his son across the finish line of that first race. His son then told his Dad that when he crossed the finish line that he no longer felt handicapped. Team Hoyt has entered in over 1,000 races since that day. What an amazing story of a Father's love.
"Three different times I asked the Lord to take it away. each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. "So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work in me. That's why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 8-10
I was blessed with a wonderful Father, and I couldn't be more thankful for him. He has loved me unconditionally, and has given me a wonderful example of a Father's love, but I feel as helpless as Rick Hoyt trying to get through this life without my heavenly father. Only through Jesus Christ are my innermost desires transformed into his desires. The more I experience the love that Christ has for me the more that I realize how dependant I am on him. When my heart is not aligned with the Lord's it is like I am a completely different person. I have so many weaknesses and without the strength of my Lord I am completely hopeless when it comes to overcoming the sin that tears me up inside. I feel like Paul in the verses above crying out to God to remove my weaknesses and to just destroy the things I struggle with. But my Lord tells me that his grace is all I need. His Power works best in my weakness. For when I am weak, then I am strong. How encouraging to hear the promises in scripture, and that I serve a faithful heavenly Father who will carry me through this life. We all have things we struggle with, and those weaknesses allow us to cling onto the Lord for dear life because we know that when we are weak we are strong. Don't be discouraged because of our weaknesses because this reminds us that we are helpless without the Lord.
I have nothing to offer anyone that is worth anything that doesn't come from Jesus Christ. The Lord is the only one that is worthy, and it is through HIM that I have worth. It is through HIM that I am given something ultimate. It is through HIM that I recieve something that has eternal value. It is through HIM that I am given strength. I need HIM like I need air to breathe. It takes me falling in love with Jesus for me to know how to truly love someone else.
We are as helpless as Rick Hoyt when it comes to trying to live a life worth living without God. The Lord can carry us through this life if we ask him to carry us through it.. Because when this life is over, and we are empowered by God the whole way through it, we will reach the finish line. We won't feel disabled anymore. We will be glorified with our Heavenly Father in paradise for eternity.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Don't miss out on this. As we approach Easter we remember what Jesus Christ did for us. HE died for us to rise again and to empower us. HE bridges the gap between us and the Father, and it is through his sacrifice that the ultimate price was payed for all of our sins. Praise God! I rest in the fact that my God is faithful. My hope comes from the Lord. Allow the Lord to give you the hope and strength and that you are able to overcome your weaknesses through HIM. Surrender.
"Call on me when you are in trouble and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory." Psalm 50:15
Lord, I thank you for the Heavenly Father you are. Thank you for the strength that I am given through my weaknesses because they remind me how much I need you. Thank you for giving me worth, and the opportunity to share your Truth. Lord I pray that you will do whatever it takes to mold me into the person you intend me to be. I know I don't understand your plan for my life sometimes, but help me have peace in the Truth that you are doing what is best for me and that you are in control. -Amen
Your brother in Christ,
Matt
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