Let's Win This Race

       I’ve been running since middle school, and I think it’s a great analogy for our spiritual life. Running takes mental and physical strength; it’s difficult to stop your usual routine, pick it back up and fall back into place. (Those practices after holiday breaks were BRUTAL.) Not impossible to get back where you were but it will take some hard work and pain.  When I ran track and cross country in high school our team used to wear shirts that said: “our sport is your sports punishment.”  We considered ourselves an elite, hard-working group.

        “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.  Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” 1 Cor. 9:25-27

         We’re all running in this race of life, but are you going anywhere?  Are you using the tools that God gave you and your time wisely? The race may seem daunting and never ending but don’t give up.

        “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24

      “By faith Noah, when warned about things not  yet seen [rain, what’s that?!?] in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” Hebrews 11:7

      Commentary: As you obey God, don’t be surprised if other regard you as “different.” Your obedience makes their disobedience stand out. Remember, if God asks you to do something, he will give you necessary strength to carry out the task. Let the enemy ridicule, scorn, and mock, but God will have the last laugh!

      I don’t know what God is leading you to do (or stop doing) but I have faith He will guide you.

     “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3

      This race of life gets tiring sometimes but God always supplies us with a second wind, a cool breeze, and people to encourage us along the way! Don’t give up, you can make it to the finishline with God’s help.