Run the Race

The Holy Spirit that lives in us can give us the endurance we lack in ourselves

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When I was at school, I was never any good at running fast. I had plenty of stamina but no speed. Cross country running on a Wednesday afternoon was never a favourite of mine or in fact of many of my friends. We would walk much of the way and then make a run for it through the gates back to school. After being a teacher for many years I have no doubt that our sports teacher was never fooled by this but was just glad that we had had the required fresh air and exercise for the day. As far as I can remember, we all finished the race, some earlier than others and in different ways, but we all got there in the end. The winner was not important in those sports lessons, just the ability to finish.

Our walk with the Lord is often likened to a race in the scriptures and, as in my illustration, the important thing is to set our eyes on the goal and finish the race. Everyone that perseveres to the end is a winner but even though there will be many winners we have to run in such a way to get the prize.

Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

The race, of course, starts with actually getting going. I, for one, made many false starts over the years before I actually got on my way. There is no point just staying in or around the starting blocks. We have to get moving and then remain on course. 

Then, of course, we have to run the race in such a way as to reach the goal. We have to perservere right to the end. The race is not over until we cross the finish line. Paul tells us that we need to go into strict training ‘to get a crown that will last’. We all need to spend time in the word, in prayer and worship to equip us to be fit enough to reach our goal.

Our goal is eternity with Jesus. We need to keep our mind set on Jesus and what he wants us to do. On our way along the road, we have to be active in the work of the Kingdom, helping to bring others to the starting blocks of the race and beyond.

Paul tells us not to run aimlessly, we have to run with direction and purpose. Purpose helps us to move forward with enthusiasm and energy.

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In Hebrews 12:1-3 it says: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

To make our race easier we need to throw off all our hindrances. Apparently, the Greek here means ‘heavy things’. These may not necessarily be bad in themselves but are slowing us down. This race is not a sprint it is a marathon and anything that slows us down needs to be thrown off along with the sin that ensnares us. This is often a difficult thing to do. As Paul tells us in Ephesians, it is hard to get rid of our old self and the enemy doesn’t help as he is happy for us not to finish the race. There will be struggles along the way but we have to ‘run with perseverence’ ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus’. I don’t know about you, but endurance is not always easy for me but the Holy Spirit that lives in us can give us the endurance we lack in ourselves. We must remember when we get disheartened with ourselves that God wants us to finish this race. He will give us all the help we need if we put our trust in him. We have to fix our eyes on Jesus, not ourselves. Scripture tells us that God’s power flows in our weakness. So, if we feel weak and unable to keep going, that is a good thing because we can step out of the way and let Jesus be our strength. We just have to admit that we can’t do it in our own strength and God will say: ‘My power is made perfect in your weakness.’ That is so encouraging!! With his power we can finish the race. God can use us and help us to do it. 

In Philippians 3:14 Paul says: I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

And that is what we must do, trusting in Jesus, who is ‘the pioneer and perfecter of faith’. He will help us finish this race. Paul says in Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

So I invite you to pray this with me. ‘You have started this work Lord and I am confident you will help me to cross the finishing line. Amen’

Author: Thelma Cameron

May God bless and enrich your life

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