This past weekend was my Physical Fitness Test. As a Reservist, we have to remain physically fit and this test determines if we are or if we are not. A lot rides on the result, so almost every member can tell you that this is a time of high angst.
For many, myself included, it’s the thought that I could have muscle failure in the middle of my timed push-ups, or that I could trip during my run, that is the worst.
For some, the stakes are higher! A failure here could mean dismissal from service and the loss of stability for the family. A lot can ride on this day.
For the months leading up to the day, I trained, I prepared, and I reminded myself that I’ve always done well, but the angst was still there.
It wasn’t until the night before my test that a new thought framed this angst differently.
As I turned to drive the last mile to base, I saw the sign that said “United States Air Force, Joint Base Charleston.”
And it hit me.
Cam, you’ve always wanted this!
You’re in the actual United States Air Force, and there was a time when you wanted this more than anything in the world. You wanted to wear the uniform, to travel, and to serve.
You hoped for this!
…and what comes with this is the angst.
We often forget the blessing of pain, that there was a time we hoped to have these struggles! Why is that?
How can we see the answered prayer as fuel for the difficult realities of our dreams, building on the strength that God heard us and answered us?
I longed to serve and here I am serving. Yes, it hurts a little bit, but if I almost forgot about this prayer because of the pain, I wonder what other prayers are answered that I forget to thank God for?
I invite you to take an inventory of the pain points in life and see how many answered prayers are on that list.
Those kids might be driving you bat-poop crazy, but are they an answered prayer?
That spouse may have their moments, but are they an answered prayer?
That job may even make you consider going off the grid, but did you once pray for this opportunity?
If so, we can’t run from the pain points, rather let us embrace them as part of the cost of the prayer we prayed.
Yes, angst sucks. Nobody likes it and I encourage you to find healthy ways through it, but don’t mistake the angst as a sign that this isn’t where you’re supposed to be.
Maybe where you are is an old answered prayer.
If you don’t like it anymore, maybe you need a new prayer. Regardless, if you’re walking in His will, He will bring you completely through it.
Take inventory and see all the ways God has brought you to where you’ve asked all along, and celebrate that as the fuel to finish the race.
May this bless you!
Amen!
