This devotional was written by Greg Laurie - www.harvest.org
And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us.—Hebrews 12:1
When I was in high school, I was in track and field. I always noticed that I ran faster when a pretty girl was watching me, because I wanted to impress the pretty girl.
But there is a better motivation than that for running this race of life. The Lord Jesus is watching us. Hebrews 12:1–2 says, “Let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish.”
That is what will keep you going. You have to keep following the Lord, even if your friends aren’t there with you. As the song “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus” says, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.”
We all know that people do turn away from the Lord. But if you are living this Christian life because of what people have to say about it, then you are not going to make it.
People will let you down. People will disappoint you. Circumstances are going to be hard. You should do this because you love Jesus.
When you face all of the garbage out there, remember that it is the Lord Jesus Christ you are running for. That is the reason you should be running this race.”
Is this why you are running it right now? When you are maintaining a love relationship with Jesus Christ, you will see this world for what it really is—empty, futile, and meaningless. On the other hand, if you are just giving it your bare minimum, then you are not going to make it.
So let’s make every day of this spiritual race count.
6 comments:
Amen. Someone once told me to think of our spiritual life as a marathon not a sprint. Well, running a marathon takes a lot of training and patience. Lots of ups and downs and days were you just don’t feel like doing it. Sometimes I thin our spiritual life is probably more like the Ironman honestly, but we are all running it. I can also tell you from running a couple, that have training partners makes it a whole lot easier….. Especially on those days when you just don't feel like doing it. But, because you are yoked to someone else, you buck up and get it done (or getter dun for you southerners :o) Having another person/s involved creates an additional element of responsibility. It also creates accountability which is absolutely imperative.
Have a blessed day fellas and run with endurance.
cas
Clark, really good comment on todays devotion. I totally agree with everything you said, except the actual running of a marathon/triathlon. I've never run a distance remotely close to that kind of distance.
I'm truly greatful that I dont have to run the race alone. I'm glad that I have at least one christian friend that I can run the race with.
God, please give us the desire and the courage today to live out your calling for us today and to also have the compassion to reach out and encourage another christian brother to continue/start to run the race as well.
How's TJ, by the way?
Great comment Clark. Would it be better though to "run" like in a marathon or do something akin to tempo runs where you're always running but have periodic, increased bursts of devotion, faith, and living the Christian life?
I am thankful for having guys like you to run this race for Jesus. It truly helps to have a "running" partner.
- LT
Iceman, I like your question. I think you propose the ideal or a more excellent illustration of the race verses stopping during the marathon and hitting the donut shop, then the hamburger joint, and then Dairy Queen to start up again.
TJ is still feeling well - so we are about 10 days past his illness and no relapse - so we are very thankful - and thanks for asking.
as for the blog - i always say that God was standing next to me, i probably wouldnt do some of the bad things that i do...but i have to remember that God IS standing next to me 100% of the time.
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