March 27 - Run the Race for God

 Photo by Runner Jenny

 

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. 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, 

who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,

and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1,2

Conquering the struggles you have in your life is like running a race. Much like races, someone else is either running the same race or has ran that race before. The struggles you are enduring now, someone else is feeling the same way. Also, there are others who have conquered the difficulty your are dealing with now. Others have won their race and so will you. Use their accomplishments as encouragement as you run your own race.

Running the race that God has set before us requires endurance, strength, and perseverance. To run your race easier, you must strip off all the excess baggage you are carrying. Free yourself from the sin that weighs you down. There are 3 principles in our life that will help free us from excess baggage so that we can more effectively and easily run the race our Father has set before us. First, choose your friends wisely. Positive, empowering, Christian friends will free you of the weight that comes from activities that are less than righteous. Second, reconsider the activities you are committed to. Drop some activities for a while and see if it has a positive impact on the weight on your shoulders. Lastly, get help for your struggles. Be them hidden shameful secrets or addictions. Free yourself and run more easily with God.

Always remember you are running for Christ, not yourself. Keep your eyes on Him and you will win the race.

Today, I would like to encourage you to say your own prayer. You know your struggles and the race you need to run. You know the weight that is on your shoulders. No one can say a better prayer today than you. God Bless!!