Running the Race
The London Olympics have come to an end. I found myself glued to the TV screen as I watched amazing athletes compete in their category.
I cheered on the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics team. I was thrilled when Gabby Douglas won the gold medal for best All Around and gave God the glory. Michael Phelps won more medals than any other Olympic contestant in history. I loved the P & G commercials featuring the mothers of the athletes. Even though I taped my favorite sports and could easily fast forward, I elected to watch those commercials and was touched.
Each athlete had to focus their energy on training for their sport. They had to forgo many fun activities to pursue their dream of winning a medal. We cheer them on and salute their achievement.
But as I was watching, I thought of our Christian walk. We are running the race of a lifetime.
Hebrews 12:1 “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.”
And who were these witnesses? Well, Hebrews 11 lists many of the faithful who ran their race to victory. They are people like:
- Noah who was probably ridiculed as he continued to build an ark despite no rain. (verse 7)
- Abraham left his home because God told him to do it even though he didn’t know where he was going. (verse 8)
- Moses chose to be mistreated along with the people of God instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin for a time. (verse 24)
The list continues with many familiar names from the Bible. In fact, in Hebrews 11:32 adds more names like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets.
As we run the race, we can determine the quality of our lives by how we think. We can choose to go along with the mainstream. Or we can choose to study the Word of God and …obey it.
Who are you patterning your life after? Jesus lived a perfect life as an example for us.
What do you choose to saturate your mind with? Are you so enamored with the things of this world that you lose your focus on the race you are running?
It can be so easy to give in to feelings. I’m sure the Olympic athletes experience fatigue but they don’t give up. When you’re going through a rough time, it’s important to remember the Truth.
God’s Word offers many promises to hold on to in the midst of those uphill battles.
The second verse of Hebrews 12 gives us some great advice as we’re running the race:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross , scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus endured the pain of the cross and separation from His Father to pay the price for our sins. May we be encouraged to run the race set before us.
Blessings and love,
Image Credit: Stephanie of Home Grown Hospitality
Amen.
Love this illustration! It’s a powerful reminder to “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Phil 3:12
Keeping our eyes on Jesus is the key, for without Him we are tempted to strive in our own strength. When we do that we become exhausted. He will always give us the endurance to finish the race well!
Blessings, Joan
Another great inspirational post Debbie and especially for me right now. We MUST stay in HIS Word and never forget that He is in control and nothing happens outside His knowledge. Hugs to you!