Running the Race
Read Hebrews 12:1-3
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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Big Idea: Keep running a good race.
Being a follower of Christ can be hard especially in today’s world. How can we run a good race in our pursuit of following Christ?
-Throw Off the Sin that Entangles: When you become a runner, you have to train my mind as well as your body. Like in running, our minds will always betray us first. Our thoughts are a battleground and the decision to compromise and sin normally starts in the mind first. We change our mind through prayer, staying in God’s word, praise, and remembering scripture in our struggle.
“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:6
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
-Run with Perseverance: When you become a runner, the only way to get better is to keep running. Like running, you will have your good days and hard ones in your Christian walk. The only way to see progress in your Christian walk is to just keep swimming (thanks Dory). Keep seeking God through daily prayer, praise, and reading His word on the days when you feel like it and the days when you don’t. Today’s emotions and feelings do not control us. Growth and maturity come in the hard times, not in the easy, when we refuse to give up and continue to seek Him!
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
-Fix our Eyes on Jesus: To become a good runner, you need a goal or a destination. In our relationship with God, that vision board is the cross of Christ. As Christ followers, we model Jesus and lay down our lives in daily surrender to the purposes and plans of God. We know that Jesus had victory over sin and death through His death and resurrection and now sits at the right hand of God. Through His power, we can also have victory!
“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.” Hebrews 12:2-3
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
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Similar Devotions: This is How I Fight My Battles, The Great Exchange, Sneaky Vines, My Shield, Stuck Like a Roomba, Faith Dilemma, The Waiting Room, Eyes Opened, A Position to Hear, A Memorial, Because You Say So, Is It True?
