I used to be a runner and I was fast. One of the things my coach taught me was the end of a race is one of the most important parts.

So, how are you doing in your race? The world calls it, ‘the rat race.’ The bible calls it, “the race marked out before you.”

Are you fainting? Out of breath? Distracted? Frustrated?

Are you running hard? Focused? Full of energy for the finish line?

I love this verse from Hebrews 12 : “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus.”

This verse gives you and me a check list for our race: throw off hinderances; entanglements of sin; run with perseverance; your focus.

THROW OFF:
Is there anything you need to throw off? Discouragement? Unforgiveness? Double mindedness?
We tend to collect things down here. So take a minute and see if there’s anything you need to throw off. This makes running so much more fun.

ENTANGLEMENTS:
Next, ‘the sin that so easily entangles.’ You and I are surrounded by so much permission to compromise. To violate the instructions laid out for us in the bible. It’s easy to sin, meaning separate ourselves from God by drifting into dark areas of behavior. Are you entangled by anything? Be honest. And take care of it.

PERSERVERANCE:
“Run with perseverance, the race marked out for you,” this is how you and I are called to run. Persevere means it’s a long race. Our mindset needs to be: per-SEVERE, meaning at times it may require severe focus and determination. That’s okay because if God requires this He will enable us to run like this. Check in with Him and receive His help.

YOUR EYES:
“Fixing your eyes on Jesus.” Anytime you RUN anywhere you have to pay attention to where you’re putting your feet. This verse says, RUN but fix your eyes on Jesus. He is our prize. He is the reason we’re running.

We’re no longer running from something, we are running too SOMEONE. And that makes this a truly an amazing race.

In His Love and mine,

Kathleen