Running the Race to Victory
Thursday, April 8th, 2010Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. –Hebrews 12:1-2
When my son, Nick, was running cross-country his freshmen and sophomore years of high school I really didn’t get it. I wondered what these kids got out of running around a track, through town and the back roads for hours a day. I had a lot to learn. Some of the principles I learned then I continue to apply to my running the race that is called life. I found the keys in the verses above.
The first step to running the race of life in victory is to run the race with everything you’ve got! I don’t need to run your race and you don’t need to run my race. We’ve all been given a race and a lane to run in, and we’re to run with all our hearts. Don’t forget to run in your lane well, you just need to give God the best of your time, your talents, your service, and yes, even your tithes.
There are times while running through the country some of the runners would want to take a short cut or compromise the training in some way. I remember Nick telling me about a few boys who would stop at one of the runner’s houses to get sodas while they were supposed to be doing their daily run. They figured the coach wouldn’t know that they didn’t do all they were asked to do. They were being deceptive. Running the race of life means you say “no” to the sin of compromise. Allowing the sin of compromise to creep into your life is the fastest way to get derailed!
One of the most valuable lessons I learned was one day I saw students lose a race, The coach would sit down and tell the runner one of the reasons they lost was because they kept looking back instead of ahead. He said they should run the race with everything they had and not worry about the other runners. Apply that to our life race and it means do what God has called you to do to the very best of your ability instead of looking at everyone around you. You are called to run your own race, not theirs.
God gives you every tool and opportunity that you need to run well…..you’ve got to run and not just sit there looking around and comparing what you have to what everyone else has. Rely completely on God and His Word…. always looking forward, never turning back. Sure, the devil will try to convince you how great your old way of life was. But don’t fall for it! Keep your eyes on Jesus… during the good times and the bad.
Lastly, I remember how team members encouraged and challenged each other to be the best they can be. When one member of the team won the race, the entire team celebrated. God has given you a several teams to encourage and challenge you. Your family, church, friends…they are your team. They may challenge you in ways that you don’t like or aren’t comfortable with. Instead of rejecting their input rejoice that they love you enough to believe in you. Rejoice that God gave you team members to help pick up when you fall and give you a kick in the pants when you get lazy.
Are you running the race God set before you with all your heart? Do you keep the sin of compromise out of your life? Do you rely totally and completely on God and His Word? Are you embracing the team God has given you? If you can’t say that you are, remember, God promises to give you the desire and power to accomplish all of these things. Take Him up on His offer today so you can run the race of life in true victory.
