Tag: Race of life

How to Run This Marathon Called Life When Weary

 

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, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)

In the last writing we looked back over Hebrews 11, which has always been considered as Faith’s Hall of Fame. For me, I am comforted to know that none of these men or women were perfect. They didn’t always get it right; yet, they kept getting up and going again. Sometimes they stood very strong and at other times they stumbled along the path. For some their lives were surrounded by great and wondrous miracles; others, suffered great loss and persecution. All had times of great trials, sorrows, and struggles.

do-not-despair-compressor

 

Life is really tough at times. No matter how carefully we try to plan our lives; unexpected storms come and surround us. There are times along this journey that our body, spirit and heart are wearied and we just don’t know if we can go one more step. We look behind and see the broken pieces scattered along the path. We wonder how God could still love us. We have said things we wish could be taken back; but alas, it is too late.

Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17 as our Great High Priest.

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How to Prepare for a Faith Marathon of Life

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, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 (NKJV)

Our Christian journey here is compared to a race of faith being run by each follower of Jesus Christ. A long distance marathon of faith. We have over the past few weeks discussed the superiority of Christ over all the former priests, His superiority over the angels, and His superiority over the prophets. The writer of Hebrews has been laying forth the case for the gospel of Jesus Christ. There is no other way to God; except, through the atoning blood of Christ. Our faith is built upon God’s very Word that He has provided the propitiation for our sin through the death of His only begotten son, Jesus Christ who bore our sins upon the cross.

run-the-race-small-compressor

Throughout chapter 11 of Hebrews the writer has named the faith heroes from the old testament. Of note, any of you who have studied the old testament are very aware of the imperfections of each of these men. Yet, by faith they are listed on this faith Hall of Fame detailed by the writer of Hebrews. Not a one of these men saw the complete fulfillment of God’s promise; yet, everyone had stepped out believing that God was faithful to fulfill that promise. They looked for the coming of the Savior. Down through the corridors of time; they stood as testimony of what was to come. By Faith they believed that God is the Sovereign Creator of the Universe and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. They were mortal men who awaited the fulfillment of God’s Promise of Salvation. Certainly, along that journey there were many miracles performed as refreshing signs of God’s faithfulness; just, as we have along our journeys of faith. Still, those signs and wonders are nothing compared to that which is to come when we stand in His Presence washed by His Blood and clothed in His Righteousness and Glory.

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How to Actually Joyfully Finish the Race of Faith

How to Actually Joyfully Finish the Race of Faith

As any athlete would tell you, it is important to set your pace. You must know your own levels of endurance. Endurance is built over time with precision. The years of illness, followed by years of working long hours had taken its toll on my body. Last year, I realized that I had laid aside any exercise—well, actually it had been hit and miss with occasional weeks of good followed by more weeks of none. I realized that if I am to live life with both joy and endurance; something had to change. I began easy at first-treadmill at noon every day at work. At first, I began at 3 miles per hour pace for twenty minutes at an incline of 10%. It was a struggle at first; but, every day I would determine to go. At first I would think, ok I can finish 5 minutes. Then at 5 minutes I would think, I can do 5 more. I would do that until I reached my 20 minutes. Now I look forward to my noon work out. I am up to 4 miles/hour, 13% incline and 30 minutes. Each day is the same thought process-5 minutes, then 5 more, then 5 more etc. until I have finished the 30 minutes. I remembered when I was young and would run 10K races—one block at a time.

stretching for the race

[bctt tweet=”Our Christian Journey is much like a marathon requiring endurance looking toward the finish line- “] 10 m at a time.

THE RACE OF LIFE BY FAITH

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12).

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