Attacked

It's funny how Satan attacks you the most when you are actually growing closer to God, much more than when you are lukewarm or cold to God. Things have been so awesome the past few days. The retreat was amazing; my Sunday, though insanely busy, was so much fun; and last night was a blast watching the Passion Livelink. In addition to all of those things, God is teaching me so much through the time I am spending with Him each day.

Today was one of those days where I could definitely tell Satan was attacking me. It was harder than usual for me to get up early today, and once I was up I felt very rushed in my time with God. However, I really enjoyed studying Romans 8 and memorizing verses 26 and 27. I ran 3 miles in the rain, which actually went really well. The highlight of today was making crepes in my 8:00 class. These are definitely things I need to make at home. They are fun, easy, and so yummy!

Things started to get hard at practice. I had 2X5 600 meters at 2:02 with 2 minutes recovery. I was pretty confident going into the workout, but at the end of the first set, my body crashed. I just couldn't make myself go fast anymore. I started the second set, but soon heard words that no one ever wants to hear from coach: "You're done." I knew it was for the best for me to not finish, but I hate not finishing something. He wasn't mad, he just knew that it was best for me to stop. I was really upset and met up with another teammate to cooldown who had the same thing happen to her. She has been an awesome friend, and it was good to talk to each other about everything. I was able to share with her that running is not my life and that the only thing that can fully satisfy me is God, and He is more important to me than anything in this life, even running. I want people to know this about me, and I am working on being more open about it instead of holding it in because of fear.

After getting back to my apartment from practice, I got a text from my brother telling me that a man in my church had died. I wasn't very close to him, but he is one of the most Godly men I have ever known. He was such a strong leader in the church and one of my dad's close friends whom he would go to for advice and support. I am very sad to see him go, but I know he is no longer battling cancer that was destroying his body. I also know that he is rejoicing to be with his Savior and God and no longer battling the things of this world. I am in much prayer for his family, as I know his young grandchildren were extremely close to him, as well as his wife and children. I look forward to seeing him soon!

One thing that I noticed as I was battling my flesh and the struggles of this life was that some of the verses that I have memorized thus far for lent immediately flooded into my mind and reminded me of God's wonderful promises. I am so thankful that my hope is in Him and that even when the things of this world fail me, He never does!