Our Daily Bread: Beyond Camp Family EditionSample

All Part of the Run

Have you ever lost your way hiking through the woods at camp?

On a run in the forest, I tried to find a shortcut and went down an unfamiliar path. Wondering if I was lost, I asked a runner coming the other way if I was on the right track.

“Yup,” he replied confidently. Seeing my doubtful look, he quickly added: “Don’t worry, I’ve tried all the wrong routes! But that’s okay; it’s all part of the run.”

What an apt description of my spiritual journey! How many times have I strayed from God, given in to temptation, and been distracted by the things of life? Yet God has forgiven me each time and helped me to move on—knowing I will certainly stumble again.

God knows our tendency to go down the wrong path. But He’s always ready to forgive, again and again, if we confess our sins and allow His Spirit to transform us.

Paul, too, knew this was all part of the faith journey. Fully aware of his sinful past and current weaknesses, he knew he had yet to obtain his desired Christlike perfection.

“But I focus on this one thing,” he added in Philippians, chapter 3, “Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on.”

Stumbling is part of our walk with God: it is through our mistakes that He refines us. His grace enables us to press on as forgiven children.

Leslie Koh

Why is it important for us as individual family members to admit that we make mistakes? How can God’s assurance and forgiveness help us love each other well?

Thank You, God, for Your mercy. Help us to lead a life that pleases You, knowing that Your Spirit is working in us to transform us into Your Son’s likeness.