Running The Race

Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

We each run our own race. I can't run your race and you can't run mine. 

If I spend my time looking at how well you are doing, I might get discouraged because I’m not doing as well. 

Or, I might stumble over pride if I begin to think I’m doing better than you. 

The only way believers can run the race well is to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. He is the only One we have to run for. 

He is the Author and the Finisher of the race of life. He gives out the rewards. 

Surrender

On the way to Jerusalem the apostle Paul anticipated great difficulty, but he was committed to finishing his work for the Lord even if that involved suffering and pain. 

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Paul had fully surrendered his life to Christ, no longer focused on his own goals or aspirations. 

Fully surrendering our lives to the Lord is difficult—abandoning the desires of the flesh to please another, but that’s the beauty and joy of the Gospel. Thank God for grace. 

Our Lord gave His all for us as He bled and died for our sins. Living victoriously in Christ demands that we give our all in return. 

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Step Aside And Let God

While walking along the shores of the Dead Sea, a man lost his balance and fell in the water. Panic-stricken, he couldn’t swim and began to thrash about with his arms and legs. Exhausted, he went limp as he cried out to God. 

He had forgotten that the Dead Sea is so full of salt and other minerals that if a person lies still he can easily float on its surface, and so he floated to safety. 

This simple story has a profound lesson for us who are the Lord's children. His arms will uphold us if we step aside and trust Him.

Hebrews 4:15-16 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The safety and serenity offered by such a complete reliance on Him will quiet our hearts even in our most desperate hours of difficulty. 

Fervent Prayer

Prayer is the greatest tool the Christian has. It’s through prayer that we make our petitions known to God. 

We will never be any stronger spiritually than our prayer life allows. It’s been said that seven days without prayer makes one weak.

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

God will reward the faithful and fervent prayers with fulfillment. His answer may not be what we expect, but it will always be what we need. 

He may not answer the first time we pray. In fact, He may even deny our request; but remember, when God says no, He has a better yes.

Seek the Lord in prayer as if seeking something of great value, fully expecting to find what you need. 

The Battle

I’m glad we never have to face our trials alone, Heb. 13:5. The promise God gave Israel to win their pressing battle is for us today also. 

Isaiah 43:2  When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

This comforts me in my battle. I’ve learned that no matter what happens, the Lord will show His presence. 

Eventually, the battles of life will end, the long day will be finished and we who are saved will go home to Heaven to rest in His glorious presence.

Guided By God’s Eye

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

What a closeness this pictures. Just as a husband and wife become so close that a simple look can speak volumes, the saint of God can be so close to the Lord that we can be led by Him in all areas of our lives.  

But we are to be humble and yielded, ready to do as the Lord leads.  

Keep your eyes on Jesus through His Word (Heb. 12:3), and He will guide your steps for His glory, (Psa. 37:23).