Chris Coby posted on October 13, 2008 19:45
James 1:12
“Blessed are those who persevere under trial, because they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
A bonk can be crushing. It is hard to describe; it’s just a complete shutdown. I bonked on Saturday - 60 miles into my ride – three weeks out, and I bonked. So where do I go from here? Pray. Listen. Be still. Be thankful.
Something dawned on me as I looked at the date on our Sunday School lesson – October 12th. That meant Saturday was October 11th, 2008. I finished chemotherapy on October 11th, 2000. Bonking 60 miles into a bike ride eight years after finishing chemotherapy – what a blessing! I cancelled my run that I had scheduled for Sunday. Rest was of the essence. Rest and nutrition and prepare for my long swim Thursday night and 100 mile ride to Wilmington on Friday. After a day of giving thanks and working with WARM in Wilmington on Saturday, I will finish up with a 20 mile run on Sunday. Most importantly, I will give thanks.
Our Men of Faith Bible Study has been studying the book of James, and we have discussed not just facing trials, but welcoming them. Today, I received this story from my brother, Alex Snotherly. Thank you, Alex. I needed it.
One day I decided to quit...
I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality... I wanted to quit my life.
I went to the woods to have one last talk with God.
'God', I said. 'Can you give me one good reason not to quit?'
His answer surprised me...
'Look around', He said. 'Do you see the fern and the bamboo?'
'Yes', I replied.
When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them.
I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth and
its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed.
But I did not quit on the bamboo.
In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful.
And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. He said.
'In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But
I would not quit. In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from
The bamboo seed. 'I would not quit.' He said. 'Then in the fifth year
A tiny sprout emerged from the earth.
Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant... But
Just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall.
It had spent the five years growing roots.
Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. 'I
Would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle.'
He said to me. 'Did you know, my child, that all this time you have
been struggling, you have actually been growing roots.'
'I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. 'Don't
Compare yourself to others ..' He said. ' The bamboo had a different
purpose than the fern ... Yet, they both make the forest beautiful.'
Your time will come,' God said to me. 'You will rise high! ' How
High should I rise?' I asked.
How high will the bamboo rise?' He asked in return.
'As high as it can? ' I questioned.
' Yes.' He said, 'Give me glory by rising as high as you can.'
I left the forest and bring back this story.
I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you.
He will never give up on you.
Never regret a day in your life.
Good days give you happiness
Bad days give you experiences; both are essential to life.
A happy and meaningful life requires our continuous input and
creativity. It does not happen by chance. It happens because of our
choices and actions. And each day we are given new opportunities to
choose and act and, in doing so, we create our own unique journey.'
Keep going...
Happiness keeps you Sweet,
Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrows keep you Human,
Failures keep you Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only God keeps You Going!
In Peace & Love,
Chris