I was out for my long run on Sunday. In our Ironman training, we do a long bike ride with a short run on Saturday, and then follow it up with a long run on Sunday. The idea is that you’re tired coming off the long Saturday workout, which simulates how you’re going to feel during the run on race day.
I listen to music when I run, and on this day I was listening to a worship music playlist on Amazon Prime. It was a cloudy day and I was on my 7th mile when the song Jireh came on, a song written and performed by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music. I’ve heard the song many times, and it has grown on me the more I’ve heard it.
Not even a minute into the song, in the second verse, they sing that God would cross an ocean, so I wouldn’t drown. The words hit me like a ton of bricks, because that is the essence of our story, and of the book! God crossed an ocean to save Maggie, and He crossed an ocean so I wouldn’t drown! How could I have listened to this song, maybe fifty times before, and missed this?
As the words were sinking in, the sun burst through the clouds, and a bright light and warmth hit my face. God was putting an exclamation point on the moment, and He and I were connected. He reminded me that He is always there for me, and will do anything for me, including crossing an ocean, or joining me on a mundane run.
We often think that God is distant, too busy, not concerned, or not available for our daily lives. I think it is the opposite. God is always there, wanting and waiting for us to find time for Him. But we’re too busy, too distracted, or simply don’t have the time or desire to be with Him.
On this day, I was honoring God by listening to worship music, and He revealed Himself to me again, in an intense and surprising way. Carve some time out of your day to seek God, and see if He doesn’t surprise you too.
Jireh: “The Lord will provide.”
