A Great Race
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. Acts 20:24
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Savannah with my sisters to support our cousin Janelle who was scheduled to run her first full marathon. What an amazing time. The weather was just beautiful. Once in Savannah, we began to learn much about the world of runners. Janelle and her fellow runners have an amazing bond. Though only one wins the top prize, they are in the race together. They help each other to finish the race.
One of the first things I learned was that it takes months to truly prepare for the marathon. It includes more than running. There are special diet considerations including fluid intake. I learned that if you are running in a race sponsored by sports drink maker, you only their products. That product is what is used at the water stations. You could get sick mixing products. So if I am going to prepare for the spiritual marathon, I'd better stick with that which Jesus provides.
At the pre-race expo, I learned that one must have appropriate clothing and shoes. Accessories must be easily shed when no longer needed. And you only take what you need. The expo is the place to acquire those accessories particular to racing.
Hebrews 12:1
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.
As part of the spiritual race, I need to go to the source of my spiritual garments and allow the Holy Spirit to completely equip me for each aspect of the race. There are a great number of supporters along the race course to cheer, give water, supply medical aid, share protein bars, and ride bikes alongside runners that look to need assistance.The route is marked out with paint, ribbons, and cones to insure that runners are able to move through the course unhindered and not confused. Here I need Scripture and the aid of the Holy Spirit. I don't know the course, the rules, or the guides without God's word to mark the way.
The finish line. wow. As runners near the finish line, the last yards are theirs alone. All help falls away, and the runner, with that great host cheering wildly, pushes forward across the line to get their medal. Most runners are still on their own blistering, aching feet. A few are scooped up and carried in. With bodies bent with pain, sweat, and tears, the runner is overwhelmed with emotion. One runner comes in first, but all are recognized for finishing, no small feat. As we near Home, our finish line, I aim and hope to still be on my feet. I look forward to seeing that Great Host waiting for me, cheering me on to the finish. I hope to finish well. I may not have the fastest time. I just want to finish.
1 Corinthians 9:24
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.
A few weeks ago, I traveled to Savannah with my sisters to support our cousin Janelle who was scheduled to run her first full marathon. What an amazing time. The weather was just beautiful. Once in Savannah, we began to learn much about the world of runners. Janelle and her fellow runners have an amazing bond. Though only one wins the top prize, they are in the race together. They help each other to finish the race.
One of the first things I learned was that it takes months to truly prepare for the marathon. It includes more than running. There are special diet considerations including fluid intake. I learned that if you are running in a race sponsored by sports drink maker, you only their products. That product is what is used at the water stations. You could get sick mixing products. So if I am going to prepare for the spiritual marathon, I'd better stick with that which Jesus provides.
At the pre-race expo, I learned that one must have appropriate clothing and shoes. Accessories must be easily shed when no longer needed. And you only take what you need. The expo is the place to acquire those accessories particular to racing.
Hebrews 12:1
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.
As part of the spiritual race, I need to go to the source of my spiritual garments and allow the Holy Spirit to completely equip me for each aspect of the race. There are a great number of supporters along the race course to cheer, give water, supply medical aid, share protein bars, and ride bikes alongside runners that look to need assistance.The route is marked out with paint, ribbons, and cones to insure that runners are able to move through the course unhindered and not confused. Here I need Scripture and the aid of the Holy Spirit. I don't know the course, the rules, or the guides without God's word to mark the way.
The finish line. wow. As runners near the finish line, the last yards are theirs alone. All help falls away, and the runner, with that great host cheering wildly, pushes forward across the line to get their medal. Most runners are still on their own blistering, aching feet. A few are scooped up and carried in. With bodies bent with pain, sweat, and tears, the runner is overwhelmed with emotion. One runner comes in first, but all are recognized for finishing, no small feat. As we near Home, our finish line, I aim and hope to still be on my feet. I look forward to seeing that Great Host waiting for me, cheering me on to the finish. I hope to finish well. I may not have the fastest time. I just want to finish.
1 Corinthians 9:24
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.
posted by Janet | 8:09 AM
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