Stable Instability

And He will be the security and stability of your times, A treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; The fear of the Lord is your treasure. Isaiah 33:6

Stable instability: the state of security experienced by those who 
trust in God when life is unstable.

If we trust God, we will find the strength to persevere even during times of instability. 

Strength comes through training. 

When I was a beginning runner, I ran on pavement. Solid, thick asphalt. Every slam of my foot on its firm surface was met with stubborn force. Immovable, the ground did not absorb my footprint. I ran on stable ground.

Then, I discovered trail running. What delight! Combining two of my greatest joys, running and nature, trail running became my new escape.

But trails are unstable, uneven, and dangerous. One of the most experienced runners I know tripped on a root during her first trail race and broke her foot, sidelining her for weeks.

Those who have trained on stable ground must adapt to the instability of the trail. They must remain alert. It helps to run on one’s toes, dancing among the roots and rocks, seeking a foothold. Underneath the uneven surface, after all, is solid ground. You just have to watch for it. Keep your eyes on the ground ahead. Step carefully. 

After a while, instability becomes normal. Feet learn to trust there is, somewhere, a secure foothold over the uneven ground. Today my ankles can maneuver the instability of the trail. I actually prefer it over pavement now.

I am finding that my faith race with God is much like my running experience, except for the part about preferring instability over stability. God is still working with me on that.

In the beginning, new to the race called cross-cultural ministry, I ran alongside wiser, more experienced runners. They knew my ankles were weak and unused to the rigors of this long-distance race. They were patient with me and knew when to push me and when to let me walk a bit. We ran on stable ground so to speak, ground whose stability was due to the hard work and diligence of others. 

In some ways, instead of faith in God, I had faith in the people who ran beside me, in the stable ground beneath me. I didn’t have to work as hard because the path was somewhat predictable.

Today, the ground I run is unstable and unpredictable. Who knows what is around the next bend? A global pandemic has changed the way we do everything. People around the world are being forced to flee due to tyranny and natural disasters. The wound of the world is gaping ever-larger and help is needed.

The dependability of immovable solid ground is a distant memory. Now I have to remain alert. I have to run on my toes, seeking a solid foothold. I must keep my eyes on the next step ahead.

Running on unstable ground demands increased faith. Faith that between the dangerous obstacles along the way there is a solid place, a firm foundation for my foot.

This morning as I wrestled between the instability of my life and the promise that God is my stability, I laced up my running shoes and headed for the trail.

My feet settled into their dance between boulders, sandy gullies, and fallen trees. As I ran deeper into the wilderness, the trail became more twisted and uneven. With every footfall, I pounded out my frustration, fear, and anxiety about the future. As I poured out my heart to God, I remembered my training. With each bend in the path, each root on the way, I found more strength. 

I can do this.

Joy rose up in me as I breathed in the beauty of the forest, the majesty of the One who is Immoveable, Steadfast, the Stability of my times. It was as if I was running right through Him, a trail no longer dangerous, but a path right through His presence.

Frustration became worship. Fear became faith. Anxiety became peace. My foot found a firm foundation in the promise of God.

Trust God today. He is the security and stability of our times. #faith #uncertainty #Covid19 Share on X

Lord, train me to run on this uneven surface called life. Help me keep my eyes on You and lead my feet to the sure foothold of Your promise. Amen.

@audreycfrank