Tuesday, July 31, 2018

The Course Is Important

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, 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   Hebrews 12:1-3
The Course Is Importantthe race marked out for us
The race we are on is not a smooth circular track but an obstacle course. We have a variety of hurdles and traps to negotiate.  (Stress, Family, Friends, Job, Ministry) The course I have may be totally different from, everyone else’s.  Whatever my "course" is it carries my purpose and responsibilities. My job is not to complain about my course or compare it to others... I am to run.
We do not race each other in this race but our challenge is the course. I may even be called on in my race to help another as our courses cross.  It is the course that will defeat us (life) if we don't conquer it.  
The Vision Is Important-   fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
No runner ever was effective who looked at the crowd or looked at the course, or looked at himself, or looked anywhere but at the goal.  If we live in fear, we allow fear to be the focus over Christ.  Fear creates a focus.  
We can look to Jesus for:
Guidance
Hope
Example
Encouragement
Strength
Understanding
You will never go very far without a goal.  Get a good one.
What do you plan to do between now and death?  What will you leave behind that shows you made this a better place to live?  At the end of your life God will ask you one question - "Did you do what I asked you to do?"
So many people have failed to find victory because they refuse to run the race.  Potential is not lacking in our world...effort is.  Our greatest desire should be to prepare ourselves to be victorious. We should then be ready to run the course as God designed it for our lives. 
Running is a chore but when we throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us it is much easier.  Yesterday is past - tomorrow is future - today is your PRESENT! Being a winner in the present is daily victory.  The one who is winning each day will be victorious in the end.  

Scripture to Claim: 
Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1

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