Posted Oct 26, 2020 |
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
What an amazing passage, it just speaks volumes of depth about what we are permitted because of what He sacrificially did.
We are closely monitored by those around us. We are watched by non-Christians to see the mistakes we make. Watched by Christians in order to be held accountable or to set an example.
What visual do you want to be? Will you lay aside every weight and sin to run the race?
There are some people who believe in order to run the race you need to fit a curtain mold. Not true. Sure you have to condition your body. You must stay hydrated, eat a decent amount of protein, and practice often. However, those things do not say anything about the way you run the race. For instance, two of my friends ran a 10K. One wore shorts, a tank top and sprinted while the other one wore sweats, a hat, a hooded shirt and paced herself. Both of them finished the race with pride achieving what they set out to do.
There were many different types of people running in that race. Some were heavy, some thin, some for the first time and some have gone every year for the past five years. All ran the race and crossed the finish line just the way they were intended to but with their own style.
In our younger years we are asked, “what do you want to be when you grow up?” Many times people see little girls dancing around and someone will crush their dreams by telling them it is too difficult for them to be a dancer. The same people tell them to find something that will be easier to learn. They could have grown up to be a dancer but didn’t get the opportunity because they were made to believe it was impossible.
Instead of asking the growing up question, we should be asking, “what is your passion and how can you use that for God?”
My race began when I was thirteen years old. I was known as a parent’s worst nightmare come true. I took a lot of wrong turns. Climbed some very steep terrain. And ran a route that seemed never-ending. My life was off course into a horrible detour but it created in me a runners conditioning.
My athletic ability for running God’s race is now in the direction He needs it to be. I proudly stay hydrated with fellowship. My protein level is at a healthy rate. The Word of God is my meat and potatoes. I practice the Word daily in my everyday life and am blessed to minister to those God has placed before me.
What race are you running? Are you a youth pastor, mother of seven, friend to the lost, banker or ice cream parlor attendant? Whatever the race He has placed you in, run it for Him.
