As “girls on the go” and women who are reaching for the prize of the high calling of God in our lives, we continually have to be careful of the distractions that will so often divert our eyes from the prize.In Sunday school a couple of weeks ago I watched this scenario unfold right before me that confirmed that truth. A sandbox had been set up that had ping pong balls with the scripture memory verse on them. The children were to retrieve the balls and put them in order to win the “big prize.” I warned them not to get distracted because also buried in the sand were pennies and lifesavers.
Eli is 5 going on 6 years old and he was ready!! On your mark, get set, go! Sand is flying everywhere and treasures began to surface. Eli is trying so hard to stay focused on the goal to win the “big prize” but the pennies were just too great a temptation. In his sandy hands he gripped several pennies -- even though right in front of him were ping pong balls. He wasn’t willing to lay down the pennies to pick up the balls.
As I witnessed this, I had to begin to question, “Lord, how many times have I taken my eyes off the prize of the high calling that you have for me, and settled for the pennies.”
What’s in our hands? Worry over our health, stress from lack of finances, marriages that need adjusting? God is calling us to lay them down at His feet. He alone is able to help us with our “pennies” if we keep our eyes on Him. Don’t settle for anything less than His best for you.
written by Gail Hartley (Guest Speaker at Simply Beautiful Ladies Retreat 2009)
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