Running the Race
Typically, when we enter a new year, so do new “starts and stops.” When I went to the gym this week, and no parking spots were available, it became evident of those who have made new “starts.” We all have good intentions in January but come February, it’s too hard to keep up our “new ways.” Why is that? Most people get excited to schedule the year and the transformations they want to see in themselves but remaining dedicated to the new plan becomes exhausting.
For me, if I don’t stay focused, I am…, oh look, a squirrel.
When the Lord marked out our race in life, He gave us everything we need to do His will. His Word tells us what hinders us to run our race, what we need to persevere, and how to stay focused, and why.
When you read Hebrews Chapters 11-13, you will find a blueprint of how to have staying power in your Christian life. Being conformed to the patterns of this world gets easier and easier. We as Christians need each other, we need to have endurance and what I read in the Scriptures is mostly, we need faith!
Warren Wiersbe says it like this; “True Bible faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences.” J. Oswald Sanders put it this way; “Faith enables the believing soul to treat the future as present and the invisible as seen.”
We know according to Hebrews 11:6, it is impossible to please God without faith. Faith is more than what we live by. It is the channel through which we know and are known by God. Hebrews, Chapter 11 is known as the “Faith Hall of Fame” Chapter. Many examples of what it means to have faith are given to us in these verses. And because of those heroes and heroines of faith, the Messiah was born. Faith is not for just a chosen few, faith is available for all, and a necessity for all of God’s people.
When Hebrews 12:2 tells us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith…. It means that Jesus himself had enough faith to endure the cross. Jesus could have used His divine powers, but He didn’t. Instead, Jesus knew what the scriptures promised about Him, and He had faith that His Father’s promises were true.
As you run your race, what keeps you persevering? Do you have faith in God’s promises? Do you know the promises of God?
Set your hearts and minds on things above and fix your eyes on Jesus. This keeps you focused on the right race. Everyone is low on faith–it is a constant battle. It is easy to grow weary and lose heart. So why not pray for God to help your unbelief, increase your faith. Spend time with the Lord and listen to His promptings, be equipped by His Word, and watch how your faith increases and enables you to run your life race.
Father, you are faithful. Your Word is true and Your promises unbreakable. Lord, teach us to keep our focus on You! Help us to imitate those who have gone before us as heroes and heroines of faith. We desire to have the title, By faith, before our name. Lord, this race is not easy, but you have given us everything we need, and You are working through us to finish the race. We are grateful. And may you be glorified in our persevering. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
