Importance of Discipline
What if a man won the Kentucky Derby?
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The Lord answered, “If you have raced on foot against men and they have worn you out, how will you be able to compete with horses? And if you feel secure only in safe and open country, how will you manage in the thick undergrowth along the Jordan River?
Jeremiah 12:5 (NET)
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I love the challenging imagery of this verse.
We often think too small about what we can do for God. Getting exhausted by our “racing with men on foot,” when God may have races with horses in mind.
Elijah outran a chariot.
I can’t help but think of that story, right after his victory over the prophets of Baal at Mt. Carmel, whenever I read this verse. That’s probably intentional because otherwise the imagery here is just absurd.
And yet…
God once had bigger things in mind.
What are the big things God has in mind for you?
I realize that you may not know, but it’s a good question to ponder.
It’s hard to be specific about what these things could be in an email like this. The truth is, I don’t know what kinds of things God has coming down the road for you … or me. But I do know that if I’m going to be able to execute good work for Him, then I have to be well-trained.
And that’s why I’ve categorized this verse as the “Importance of Discipline.”
Only an elite athlete could hope to compete with horses. Likewise, it’s a faithful soldier that feels secure in the thicket of the wilderness.
Everyone else may look at it and think it’s absurd.
But God may look at it and nudge you onward, knowing that He’s about to empower you to do things greater than you can imagine.
Or maybe we disqualify ourselves from that blessing by being undisciplined.
I sure hope not.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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