RUNNING YOUR RACE (CONTINUED)
Are you ready for something new? Has God given you a vision and purpose for your life that you haven’t yet seen come to pass? Do the problems of life weigh you down and wear you out, so you have no drive or desire to pursue God’s promises?
A runner must be sure that he is carrying no extra weight on himself that could slow him down. So, too, we must be free of anything that would prevent or hinder us from fulfilling God’s plans and purposes. In addition, a runner must not quit or give up if he (or she) wants to win the prize for which they are competing. You and I must also run our race with endurance and persistence, overcoming every adversity and obstacle that arises.
It is vitally important that we do not allow anything or anyone to distract us from running this “faith race” by keeping our eyes on Jesus, not on earthly pursuits, trials and temptations. We can’t be looking to the left or the right, or glancing behind us to compare ourselves with others, but our focus must be straight ahead, just like a runner, to the accomplishment of the goals God has given us.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1 AMP – emphasis mine)
A Prayer for You
Dear God, I thank You for equipping me with the strength, wisdom, and perseverance to run the race You’ve given me. By faith, I keep my eyes on Jesus, and focus on the victory He has already established for me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
(Note: For more excerpts from Curses, Plagues, and Pandemonium, visit “Answers for Today” again next month or check out the “Look Inside” feature here at Amazon.com.)