The race is not just about finishing it but how WELL have you ran the race. In this race we will face many roadblocks and the enemy will try his very very best to make you stumble and not get up again. If this happens, it is the job for those who are still running to help the fallen one to rise up on his feet once more, that is why God asks us to love one another and to help one another, not to cause our brothers to stumble (1 Corinthians 10:32)
It is also important that we do not stumble while helping our friends to rise up again, for the devil is smart. We have to be well equipped for this race, putting on the right shoes and having the right attires. And to do that we need to grow in knowledge and of faith on Christ Jesus. For when we are well equipped, not one of the enemy’s stumbling block can stop us.
Acts 20:24
However I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus Christ has given me – the task of testifying to the Gospel of God’s grace.
We must not only finish the race but also complete the task given to us together with the race. The task that is mentioned in the Scripture above clearly tells us to spread the Gospel. We are not to only finish the race but to also finish the task for it doesn’t matter much whether you finish the race or not, what matters most is how many people have you got to run this race with you. Think now; are you running a selfish race?
It is a sad thing to see that many weren’t able to finish this race. Many decided to quit the race halfway through and turned back heading towards darkness. Why is this happening? The main reason is this: When we accepted Christ, we are so on fire for God and we continue to seek Him (this is a good start) but as weeks or months or even years pass by, we slowly lose our “sight”. We don’t know where are we running to for we see nothing in front of us and think that it is useless to run anymore. And many turned their eyes to the side walks and other paths that seem wider and easier to run. They turn towards their left and see a path made of gold, to the left, a path of green leaves and wild flowers, but it’s all just a DELUSION ! ! ! And some of us are too naïve and decides to try other paths to run, not knowing it only leads to a dead-end!
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 before us.
The verse above tells us that we indeed have a race marked out for us and there is no way of escaping it. And it also tells us that we are to run this race with perseverance, throwing off everything that blocks our path. Let us go to the next two verses,
Hebrews 12:2-3
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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
(I will post another devotion article about these two verses in my next post, see that you read it for it is really rich)
Hebrews 12:2-3 is our guidebook of manual for this race, but I would rather prefer it to be referred as “Every Christian’s Rulebook for the Race” and it consists if ONE simple rule: to FIX our EYES on JESUS.
If only our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we will be able to run this race and complete the task given. Our eyes are our HEART for we see by faith (Hebrews 11:1) So we got to see with our heart and focus on Christ, not letting Him out of sight. He is the Author and the Perfector which also means Finisher, so He is more than able to help you finish the race IF only we have our eyes on Him.
In this race we are not competing against anyone but ourselves, so be careful that we will not lose this race. Be strong. Let your heart stand firm in the faith and your feet continue to run.
Run this race with perseverance my dear brothers and sisters. Let not any stumbling blocks stop you or slow you down. Do not even think of sitting down and have a rest and continue running later for if you stop for even a moment, the devil is bound to get you. Help others who have fallen along the path and get them on their feet and running again. Make sure not to fall when you are helping them. Get others that are in the wrong paths to run with you. Above all, my dear brothers and sisters: FIX YOUR EYES ON JESUS... and RUN INTO HIS ARMS... they are wide open waiting for you.
Running with you,
Zlwin Chew
Run like these people running to win the prize for the Lagoon Trip =)
But put the cross in front of you so you know where you are running and know that you have a goal, not just running an aimless race.
God bless all!!!
1 Corinthians 9:26
Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly...
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