What happens when unforeseeable events threaten our routine lives? For many, the sudden changes knock us completely off track. Maybe our career was just taking off or we were hitting a successful stride, when suddenly something brings everything to a screeching halt.

When faced with a drastic detour, how do we get our lives back on track?

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. —Galatians 5:7-8 NIV

God has called us all to run a race. There are no bleachers in the Kingdom of Heaven. Although we may feel like we’ve been pushed to the sidelines, God always calls us to return to the track. When that time comes, it’s important that we step out of our comfort zone and back into our calling. Our perseverance through these uncertain times will be rewarded.

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. —James 1:12 NIV

Respond: In James 1:12, what is promised to those who love him?

Each one of us has an ordained assignment, a holy mandate to make something of ourselves. We were bought by the blood of Jesus, and we must carry out the mission of the church: to love God, love our neighbor, and to go make disciples. But so many of us have been distracted by circumstances. The enemy has used it to keep us from running the race. We will always have opposition to anything we try to accomplish for God, but we must press on.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. —1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NIV

Respond: In Corinthians 9:24-27, what must everyone who competes in the race do? As Christians, what is our prize for winning?

The greatest fight we’ll ever face takes place inside of us, between the flesh and the Holy Spirit. The lean of our nature tends to be with the flesh, but what we want is not always what’s best. When we give in to our human desires, we push the Spirit out, removing the only one who can help us navigate the trials of life. We have to decide which one we will allow to influence our hearts and minds. If we surrender to the lordship of Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, we can have more than we could ever want or dream. His plan is always best.

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. —Galatians 5:16-17 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, —Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Journal: Think about a time when you consciously chose to listen to the Holy Spirit instead of your flesh. What was the outcome?

So how do we walk by the Spirit? It’s a constant daily choice. Each day our feet hit the floor, we must consciously welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives and invite Him to be part of every second of our day. Then we must surrender our schedule to Him and allow Him to lead in all that we do, even if it means we may be slightly inconvenienced at times. When we pay attention to the Spirit’s leading throughout our day, He can speak into the ordinary. He can work in and through us to run the race He has ordained and to help others run their race too.

Activation: When you wake up each morning this week, welcome the Holy Spirit into your day and surrender your schedule to Him. At the end of the week, journal how this impacted your life. Were there any inconveniences that led to blessings?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, before my feet hit the floor, I welcome You into my day. This day is not my own. I surrender every detail of my schedule for Your greater purpose. You know what lies before me. Give me ears to hear Your still small voice and discernment to know when You are using something or someone else to guide me. Align my heart and thoughts with Yours. Your plans are greater than I could ever hope for. Lead me every step of the way, today and every day. Amen