Train

Last week I began a training program with Grace. Don’t laugh; I’m serious. Maybe it was her recent amped up behavior, or perhaps it was just time for change. I realized that Grace behaves smartly in the field when she runs off leash like a hunting dog. However, she fails to demonstrate good manners and obedience when walking on the leash and greeting visitors at home. I joked with my family that my new hobby is dog-training 🤪

Train – to teach and develop a particular skill or type of behavior through practice and instruction over a period of time.

As I work with Grace, I experience God revealing His character and attitude toward me and all of humanity.

I feel profoundly grateful for God’s infinite patience (2 Peter 3:9)! With Grace, I notice my impatience. Training her to walk alongside me with a loose leash feels exasperating at times. When she pulls (which is often), I stop. I wait for her to look at me before moving forward. I stop innumerable times. I wonder about the number of times God shifts my movement or stops with me and yet I fail to look to Him. Might this resonate with you?

Sometimes it feels like an eternity as I stand and wait for Grace to look at me. She takes in all the sights and sounds around her while I wait. And…wait some more. At last, when she looks at me, I feel thankful and excited. Then, together we move forward. Nevertheless, her gaze is distracted when I stop and wait. Whether is it stopping to praise God or pray, He waits for our focus to shift to Him.

Is my gaze distracted until God allows something in my life that causes me to stop? I wonder how long God must wait until I look to Him? What about you? 

God exhibits such an incredible attitude of lovingkindness (Jeremiah 31:3). At times, I want to force Grace to obey and behave according to my plans. Yet, this would short-circuit her training, growth, and inner motivation. Similarly, God waits for us in love, draws us with kindness, and anticipates the moment of our surrender. Take a moment and thank God for His lovingkindness toward you as you grow with Him.

God’s steadfast character stands out to me as I train Grace (Hebrews 13:8). I find it difficult to be consistent 100% of the time with her. Yet, God who is unchanging remains steadfast in who He is and His interactions with people. I feel thankful that God remains steadfast even when I waver. The character of God is always dependable, loyal, and true. I learn about who God is and the ways I want to live as I train Grace.

How does God reveal His character to you through normal daily activities? God is always revealing Himself. Don’t miss opportunities to encounter God through the ordinary aspects of life. Look for Him.

Another training exercise I am learning offers opportunities for Grace to “do nothing” and be still with me. Although, she is an excitable and energetic dog, the training program asserts that dogs (even hunting dogs) can learn to be still and rest. This reminds me of God’s invitations to “do nothing” with Him except to be with Him (Matthew 11:28-30). I love the peace and comfort within God’s presence (John 14:7). Just as Grace learns to be still for 30 seconds and then 40 seconds, and then more, God continues to grow me to savor longer and longer still spaces with Him.

What do “still” spaces with God look like for you? Is it time to be intentional about “doing nothing” with God?

God’s kindness, love, and grace invite you and I to look to Him, walk with Him, and be with Him. God does not force obedience or punish disinterest. He waits, extending the extravagance of His steadfast kindness, love, and grace. 1 Timothy 4:7 exhorts followers of Jesus to train themselves to be godly; to practice orienting oneself towards God. Being godly entails the life-long journey of becoming like God in character and attitude. Jesus invites us to adopt this posture (Matthew 5:48) and many God-inspired writers of the Word affirm this as well (1 Peter 15-16, Philippians 3:12, Hebrews 12:1-2).

How do we train for godliness? We look to God. We follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. We spend time being with Jesus. We trust the presence of God to journey with us, always in His faithful character. God demonstrates great perseverance as He transforms us and trains us for godliness (Philippians 1:6). This training benefits us now in this life, but also for eternity when we will enjoy God forever (1 Timothy 4:9).

Just as I aim to persevere in training Grace to walk with a loose leash and welcome visitors with well-mannered behavior, I want to persevere in pursuing my God and Savior. Consider the ways God extends opportunities for you to train in godliness throughout your day. Join me by persevering in the practice of looking to God, walking with Him, and being in His presence.

This week – – – 

Reflect.  In what ways do you train for godliness? What ways do you see God’ character throughout the day? Look for His Faithfulness, Holiness, Mercy, Sovereignty, Justice, Truth, Love, All-Powerfulness, Steadfastness, and Personal Presence. Wonder with God about how He draws you to grow in these qualities as well. Let the shifts and stops of life be invitations to look to God, the Father, walk with Jesus, the Son, and be with the Holy Spirit within you. 

Request. Thank God for His patience and perseverance with your growth and transformation in Him. Pray Philippians 1:6 over yourself this week: “…He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Receive. God loves you! Take into the depths of your soul the kindness, love, and grace of your Savior, Jesus Christ. Just as I affirm Grace as she walks alongside of me, listen for the gentle whisper of God encouraging you as you walk with Him (Isaiah 30:21). Receive the tender characteristics and attitudes of God, bringing peace and comfort to your soul. Practice 30 seconds, 1 minute, or even 5 minutes, just being with God. Rest in Him. 

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Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.

Jeremiah 31:3 – I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn you.

1 Timothy 4:7,8 – …train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.

Arthur W. Pink. The Attributes of God (In Modern English). Dolores Kimball. 2020.

Tara-Leigh Cobble. The God Shot – 100 Snapshots of God’s Character in Scripture. Minneapolis, MN. 2022.

Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.

Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll. Hard Fought Hallelujah. Click here to watch and listen.

Micah Tyler. I See Grace. Click here to watch & listen.

Puddles for Prayer: Thank you for praying for upcoming travel and speaking engagements.

March 16-18 – Soul Care Encounter, Black Rock Retreat, Quarryville, PA Click here for information

April 11 – Breathe Retreat, Littleton, CO

April 22-May 5 – Poland and Ukraine (Teaching intensive course, “The Care of Souls,” at UBTS)