I am an avid runner and I try to keep a regular running routine. I’ve found my favorite app for my Iphone 5, Map My Run, helps me track my running mileage, my pace and even tells me how many calories I’ve burned.
Last week, I was enjoying my run, breathing the fresh air deep into my lungs, just getting warmed up. I had heard the woman’s voice tell me: “Distance: 1 mile, pace 9.3 seconds, split 9.3 minutes.” A few minutes later, in the middle of my second mile, a different woman’s voice startled me with, “Hello Gorgeous, you are looking better all the time, your fabulous future awaits, find out more here.”
I thought, “Are you kidding me? My Map My Run app was interrupted by an advertisement from a psychic app?” I couldn’t believe it! And then it occurred to me that wherever technology is, there will be those who try to distract us from truth. I reminded myself that “I am a child of God, the evil one cannot touch me, I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear His fruit.” As I affirmed my identity of “who I am in Christ,” I knew the evil one could not touch me.
John Stott says, “In practice, we should constantly be reminding ourselves who we are. We need to talk to ourselves, ask ourselves, “Don’t you know you are enslaved to God and are committed to His obedience?” We must continue until we reply, “Yes, I do know who I am, a new person in Christ.” Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
I spoke the truth of my identity in Christ over myself. The enemies’ lies of ‘you are too fat to run,’ ‘you are a failure as an athlete,’ and ‘you will never get your weight under control’ were immediately transformed into truth. The truths now echoed in my clear mind, ‘you are getting stronger every day,’ ‘you are in better shape now than five years ago,’ and ‘you are able to do exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you ask or think.’ In Christ, my app interruption became an appropriate intervention for God to show me His presence, power and purpose for my life. Maybe you haven’t been interrupted by your app, but will you welcome any intermittent challenge as a tool to allow God to show you more of His peace? I hope so.
Dr. Neil Anderson has a Who Am I list that is a great resource and encouragement. If you click here, it will open for you.
Need more help? Send me an email at sherylgiesbrecht@aol.com — I will pray for you!
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