Successfully running the race of life also requires us to be INTENTIONAL. Hebrews 12:1-2 gives us some advice:
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, 2 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.
First, we are told to “lay aside every weight.” While a runner may train with ankle weights, he/she would never run the race with that encumbrance. Now, as runners in the “race of life,” we must also remove the baggage that weighs us down. We all have it. But, why keep carrying it? There’s no good reason. Christ has set us free!
Likewise, sin can weigh us down, and it “clings so closely.” But, Christ broke the power of sin. When we confess sin to God, we are forgiven and freed. Though temptation comes all too often, God will help, and we can find victory in Him.
To achieve ultimate victory, we must also recognize that the race has been “set before us.” Jesus laid out the path for us, and has shown us how to run it. Further, the Bible shows us the layout of the course and provides warnings about the pitfalls and hazards we may face along the way. However, when we insist on running it our way, we are running blind or blazing a trail that need not be created. So, stay on course!
Finally, we must keep “looking to Jesus.” He is our encourager and running coach. He will never lead us astray or leave us alone. He is the bread of life and also provides living water that can permanently quench our thirst. If we are looking to Jesus, we can keep running no matter what comes our way.
So, stay on course and keep running!
In His grip,
Pastor Decker
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