Run The Race

May 17, 2021

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

~Hebrews 12:1~

When a person trains for a marathon they go through extensive tests and strengthening exercises striving to push through each day leading up to that "big day." They want to make sure they are physically and mentally fit to run without making any mistakes that could cause them to become weary or fall in the moment. As we prepare for anything that is bigger then us, we need to be ready for any trial that may cause us to be hindered in the process. "You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?" (Galatians 5:7)

As we are running the race with Jesus, there are things in this world that want to slow us down as we are on His supernatural path to glory. We are to push forward to the prize that is before us in faith knowing that all promises are fulfilled by our Lord. He is faithful. Like any marathon, we may feel tired at times of preparation, nervous that we may fail or unsure if we are even worth a spot all together. The world has standards they require you to meet in order to be accepted. Jesus wants all of us. For those who wish to endure to the end of a race they must be strong and hold on to the hope of hitting that finish line, proud of every step they took to get there even if they did not make the same timing as others; "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

We can understand that we are all made uniquely, we all walk an individual timely walk and some may struggle more then others. However, Jesus loves us all the same.

We may feel as though we are constantly running a marathon in this life and we are in need of further training to move in more strength, with a smile on our face. The Lord provides us with all of the tools to make this marathon of ours far less painful than the world puts upon us. We can find ourselves becoming closer to the supernatural realm and feeling the kingdom within us pushing us in things we never could of imagined being able to do. This is divine Holy Spirit led abilities; "He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength." (Isaiah 40:29)

There is a finish line that is unseen to believers that they strive to run to. A glorious trip Home. Our desire should be that we are in the proper mental and physical state to endure to the end; "But he who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13)

The devil wants to throw sticks out in front of us as we run with the Lord so that we may trip and fall on our face; a branch of sin, a twig of unbelief or a log of bitterness. The enemy is attempting to make us give up all together each day. The Lord is gracious to consistently help us be led around those sticks and push on with Him; "No weapon formed against you shall prosper."

(Isaiah 54:17)

When we take our eyes off the finish line and look down to our circumstances we take our eyes off Jesus and place them upon our potential failures. Let us not take our eyes off Him and trust that He will make a way for us each day to run the race in His perfect timing and strength. We must put on the right attire, wear the proper shoes and have right amount of hydration in any race.

For us, our attire is our armor; "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."

(Ephesians 6:11)

Our shoes being our own endurance to stride through in grace; "For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise."

(Hebrews 10:36)

Our hydration being the living waters, our prayer life and the word of God that keeps us from going thirsty all together; "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”

(John 4:14)

Our Lord provides us with all we need to get through; we must believe in these provisions each day, trust that we will get through each day blessed and take our eyes off the attempts that cause us to stumble over ourselves. We serve a great King who is always beside us running a step ahead, preparing the way as we lean on Him. There is nothing He calls us to do alone. That is more then we can say for the ones in this world. How blessed are we to have the best prize at the end of our finish line! Let us prepare ourselves with our great Coach who knows what steps we are each capable of taking one day at a time to press on to the end with Him. Let's not compare ourselves to those who may be a bit ahead or a bit behind. Like any finish line, displaying a banner at its end; we can all come together in unison and encourage one another that we all make it to the end that rises up a Banner proclaiming we are His. As we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, our audience in Heaven is cheering us on to complete our tasks and we are giving glory to the Father!

Prayer:

Jehovah Nissi, thank you my Great God for providing me with the proper supplies each day, for feeding me and giving me drink and for running with me in this race. I pray to remain strong today as I am led to complete the task You have placed in front of me. I know I am not completing it alone. I have You beside me and I cast aside all dark forces that may try to hinder me from pushing through to the finish line. My Lord is exalted above any other and He will get me through each moment. I vow to focus on You each day and prepare myself to grow stronger and faster to receive the promises You have placed for me. I give You praise for never leaving me, giving me a role in this race and leading me to the end. Help me with any of my weaknesses today Lord and guide me in pure hope that I may finish all that You have started in me. In Your wonderful Name that fills me with Heaven's energy, Jesus Christ. Amen.