Devotional

If you have to ask...

Ready 
“…and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

-John 8:32 

Set 
I have a patch with the IronMan Triathlon symbol in the center. Around the outside it reads, “If you have to ask, you wouldn’t understand.” There’s a certain truth to that statement. I know; I’ve asked. I did one, and now I know. But it is something you can’t understand until you have been there and had a chance to look at it from the other side of the mirror, so to speak. 
 
This concept applies to more than just IronMan Triathlons. Last Saturday, as I leaned forward into 30-50 mph winds on a training run, I pondered how similar endurance training is to a relationship with Jesus. There’s a depth of experiencing Him that comes only as a result of having endured—regardless of the weather, regardless of pain, regardless of people’s glances, whispers and snide remarks. For me, it has come about slowly, through the wrestling matches I’ve had with Him over the years and in the moments of peace in between. In quiet reflection, I can see that I’ve experienced Him when we’ve been locked together in the fiercest of battles. Yet, at the end of each, when I finally submitted to Him and stopped struggling, I found myself experiencing the most powerful and loving embrace I’ve ever known. I’ve held long, lopsided discussions with Him on lonely running trails. In response, He’s woven His replies into the fabric of my life in different ways and at different times. 
 

We are different; we endurance athletes. There are those who don’t understand us. In much the same way, we are different; we followers of Christ. There are many who don’t understand us. There are many who insult and despise us. But endure, my friend. The experience of truth is well worth the battle. Jesus said He is the Truth, and, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…” (John 14:6 and 8:32). 

Go 
1. Have you experienced God in your life? 
2. Have you stepped aside from the busyness of life to reflect on what God is doing in and around you? 
3. Do you listen for His voice in His Word, then watch for His promises to manifest in your life?

4. How can you help someone else experience God?  

Workout 
Isaiah 55:8-9
John 8:36

John 14:6 

Bible Reference: 
John 14
Ministry