Proverbs 4:12 “when you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble”
It was raining hard, I could hear the sound against the windows, and see the intensity in the night street lights halos. We were going to join “jog Scotland” for a run. For me, it was the first time in maybe five years. I had been a keen runner, but the busyness of life had intruded. I did not have the right gear, cheap trainers, and my jacket was a Goretex mountain coat. Wendy and I ran to the car and drove to the meeting point. A quick chat undercover and we were off.
I kept up with the main group for around the first mile, then slowly drifting backwards, until there I was, jogging, howling wind in the face, rain driving down, and no one else in sight. At the main road, giant trucks flew past intensifying the spray. When I eventually limp/jogged (I think I was limp-jogging because I was having an internal pity party) back to the rendezvous point, there were maybe two others there, just saying their goodbyes and climbing into their cars. Of course, Wendy was there to give me a warm welcome and encourage me. Wendy had completed the run as well and had finished with the group. I think I probably responded with a forced smile. At that moment I was never coming back.
I did though. For years. Pushing, training, going on my own and with others for extra runs. In all weathers. I loved it. We did a half marathon, and I ran it with my daughter Maria, what a blessing.
Wendy and I ran together often, taking on hills, forests and winter weather together. Wendy surpassed herself every week.
The week before we came to Australia there was a five-kilometre race through the forest. I think around twenty to thirty people took part, all from the club. It was a cool, overcast day, but dry with a light wind.
We were off and I was quickly out in front. I struggled to find a rhythm in the first kilometre. I was waiting to hear someone come up behind and go past me. At around the halfway mark, I thought I must have taken a wrong turn and there still was no one coming up behind me that I could hear (it was so uneven underfoot that you could not really afford to look backwards).
I just kept going, stretching, breathing, and pacing myself as best I could.
I came round a slow curve and could see a group of people standing together up ahead. Oh goodness……it was the finish line, and I still had not been overtaken.
I’m so grateful to Ian, who was our volunteer coach (and all the other coaches) – he always made it interesting and challenging, bringing out of us what we did not really know was there. I loved times running with Wendy and with Maria. The best of memories.
KNOWLEDGE
We have a crown bestowed, (v9) accepted the words of God, (v10) become teachable and leadable, (v11) and so now we see some of the benefits. Our lifestyle will be full and will flourish, our path will be peaceful and prosperous, and our sojourn will be safe and successful.
With quiet confidence we can walk into the most fraught situations – we know our God, we know his name, and our days will be numerous, we know his position, and our posture will be praise.
Safety is ours – in all aspects of life, we will make the decisions that are the best decisions in the circumstances. When we find ourselves confined, we will know contentment.
Walking long journeys was common in the times this was written, and long journeys could be fraught with danger, a simple stumble could end in significant challenges and a huge inconvenience. There is such a spiritual picture in the practical application of this proverb. Spiritual progress and breakthroughs are a normal part of our day as we lean into all God has for us.
UNDERSTANDING
Let’s pick one word from this verse to look closer at and see if that can help us gain a deeper insight into how God would love us to live?
“Hampered” is an amazing word really. In Hebrew it is pronounced as “sarar” and it appears 30 times in the Old Testament. In the ESV it is translated into the English words, adversaries; rival; oppresses; harass; trouble, besiege; distress; bound; suffer; enemies; foes; wrapped up; afflicted; too narrow; and, pains. Wow!!
Can we catch what God is telling us “will not” be our portion? There is nothing to confine, distress or oppress our journey with God.
WISDOM: what can cause you to trip up in life – how will you get rid of this?
STRENGTHS THOUGHT: Focus has direction and will not be distracted. You can stay flexible on the journey.
Allan’s Unauthorised Version – [your style of walking through life, the way you make progress, there will be nothing that can confine you, even when you need to be in a hurry you won’t fail or be brought down.]
PRAYER: Father, thank you for today. Thank you for your word, your promise, your encouragement, that builds up our faith and trust in you. Thank you.
I so love feedback – please do scroll down and use a few moments to bless me?
Hi ps Allen; thx u for God word ; first of all lovely photo with ur cute daughter look like my Georgia now; well I will take one word from definition Hampered “ unfortunately since I born again in part of some relatives them became enemies and oppressed to me that produce to me lots of pain ; but in my journey consistently learning and focus God words.
Thx u
God bless
Powerful encouragement to keep going, not give up or even fear stumbling or going off course. Trusting God to provide/guide me in finding time to be creative during a season of increased responsibility and commitment in my work which is also my ministry.
Thank you Pastor Allan for the wonderful word. Rachel looks soooo cute 🙂
Congratulations that you finished the local race and came in number 1.
Press on with your spiritual race. You are still leading, champion.
God is indeed so good.
Thank you for today’s message Pastor Allan. Beautiful memories. Lovely photo. It’s a blessing that your life stories coupled with God’s words give hope and encouragement for me each day. Blessings:)
What a great promise from God to hold onto!
Thank you Ps Allan for sharing your story with us all. I love how you got to run with Wendy and your daughter Maria a few times. What an awesome memory.
I love how you wrote this – then slowly drifting backwards, until there I was, jogging, howling wind in face, rain driving down, and no one else in sight. At the main road giant trucks flew past intensifying the spray.
I love your strength thought- Focus has direction and will not be distracted.
Awww Wendy, bless her. Love how she was there at the end of your race, welcoming you. Love that after that race, you didn’t give up and went on to do more races.
So great that you guys ran together and also with your daughter.
Love your strength thought.
Thanks Pastor Allan – well done you stuck with it & ended up taking out the prize 🏆👏& have such sweet memories with Wendy & Maria. Very satisfying!
Such a great lesson spiritually if I stay the course keeping my focus on Jesus & don’t become distracted I will find direction & not be hampered or stumble. My race in life is determined by being intentional about growing in confidence faith & trusting God in the good times & challenges that inevitably come for these strengthen me to do the hard yards & not give up when it hurts. The longer I travel in my race & see the practical outworking of my faith the more I see the breakthroughs God encourages me in as I progress forwards. My sojourn will be safe & successful as I lean into all God has for me with the hope at the end of the race here on earth having run the race & fought the good fight of faith He will say ‘well done good & faithful servant’.
Thank you Ps Allan for Sharing your story.
Beautiful photo with your daughter
Thanks Allan . His ways are higher and this verse reminds me though the road ahead seems undesirable at times or difficult, a hard place to travel he promises we won’t stumble or our way be hampered because of our Father’s instruction to choose the way of wisdom Amen ! Keep striding with wisdom on our side . Great word
Indeed a powerful message, teaching us to stay focused, not to give up when daily challenges pull us down and to set our minds firmly on our walk with God. His word promises so much support and encouragement.
A lovely personal story too.
So good pastor Alan to know you are still passionate about your runs today as you was then and that lovely picture of you and Rachel and may Jesus continue to direct Wendy and your path in this season of life.
I think focusing purely on ones emotions could make us to trip in our direction.
Therefore to deliberately focus on Jesus and to trust him to lead us in the path he had for us will keep us from taking a different directions in life .