Spiritual Checkpoints

It is the first day of February. By now, many people have forgotten their resolutions and abandoned their goals. Excitement quells and motivation can become suppressed by trials, challenges, and everyday life. If we are to run with endurance, it’s going to take intentionality to continue to press forward.  

Instead of quitting, try incorporating spiritual checkpoints into your routine. Dictionary.com defines a checkpoint as “a place along a road, border, etc., where travelers are stopped for inspection.”

 In a long distance race, checkpoints are placed along the route.   At these checkpoints, a racer’s time is recorded. The racer can use that information to examine their race and determine if they are on pace, or if changes need to be made.  

A spiritual checkpoint is time of self-reflection. Just as the runner in a race, it’s a time to check your pacing and make the necessary adjustments.  Indeed, it is a time for inspection.  2 Corinthians 13:5 tells us, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.”  

Eugene Peterson says it this way, “Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need first hand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it. (2 Corinthians 13:5 MSG.) 

A spiritual checkpoint is a time when we can reflect, regroup, refocus, and be refreshed. We should reflect on our journey.  Have we made progress or have we remained stagnant, or worse, regressed?  We can regroup; this could mean recuperating after disappointment or failure, or regaining confidence when it’s fizzled out. We can refocus in prayer.  Talk to God and ask Him to tell you the plan again. Oh, how refreshing it is to hear the Lord speak to you again after you’ve gotten unfocused or even misstepped.  Yes, a spiritual checkpoint is also a time of refreshing.  Ask the Lord for the clarity you need to move forward. 

Here are some questions to guide you at this spiritual checkpoint:   

Are you talking with God daily?  1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Are you engaging with His Word everyday? Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Matthew 4:4

Have you set spiritual goals? Proverbs 19:21, Habakkuk 2:2-3, John 6:27

What spiritual disciplines have you put into practice?  Acts 2:42, Joshua 1:8, Hebrews 10:25, 

Who is pouring into your life? Proverbs 1:5, Ephesians 4:11-16

Who are you pouring into?  Isaiah 58:10, Proverbs 11:25, Isaiah 1:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Are you still running with endurance? Hebrews 12:1-2

As you aim to deepen our relationship with Jesus, try incorporating spiritual checkpoints. Spiritual checkpoints help focus you towards your goal. Take this time to reflect, regroup, refocus, and be refreshed. Then keep on running with endurance!  

Running with Jesus,

Erica