Becoming HIS Tapestry

Christian Lifestyle Blogger

RUN, BABY, RUN!

2 Tim 2 5When I was around fifteen years old, I spontaneously decided to participate in my school’s track and field sports event.  I was not a runner.  At the time, I only ever ran if someone was chasing me.  I had not taken part in any of the training activities, prior to the games.  I didn’t know the rules; I didn’t know that pacing myself was even a ‘thing’.  It was a relay 4×400 race too.  It was a good race, not a puny 4×100.  I was fit, I was healthy. Those that had gone previously had made it look so easy.  What could possibly go wrong?  The race starts and I’m able to keep up with everyone.  Hey, I could do this! About halfway through, something troubling starts to happen.  I began lagging behind.  Suddenly (or perhaps not so suddenly) I can’t catch my breath.  My breathing gets more and more labored.  My lungs literally feel like they are being ripped out of my chest.  And my legs! I can’t feel my legs! I.Could.Not.Go.On. I knew that certain death was waiting for me, if I had taken one more step.  I was humiliated.  How could I have failed, not just myself but also my teammates, so miserably?

Acts 20:24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.  Paul is talking to the Ephesians in this verse.  He reminds them of the persecutions, he has and is facing as he preaches the gospel.  But he says he is not moved or bothered by these trials, because he will finish his race with joy.  Joy in the midst of his tribulations!

My favorite Olympic Sport is Track and Field.  My absolute favorite runner is Usain Bolt, I love watching him run.  He makes it look so effortless, and he runs with so much joy and enthusiasm.  But I can guarantee you, that there is nothing spontaneous about any of his races.  He trains; he ensures that he studies that rule book.  He listens to his coach.  He equips himself by obeying his coach and following the rules.  I Cor 9 24 We too are in a race. In this race, although it is a competitive one, we do not compete against each other.  Rather, we compete against our own selves. Our old nature fights for victory against our new nature.  The battle is for supremacy, the prize is a crown, fashioned for us by our Heavenly Father.  The rules are found in the Word of God and our coach is the Holy Spirit, Himself.  Victory is certain, if we do not disqualify ourselves.  The Word of God makes the rules clear and plain.  The Holy Spirit directs our path.  The choice is ours now… shall we familiarize ourselves with the rules and follow the dictates of our Coach? Or shall we disqualify ourselves by being spontaneous in our actions?  Let us choose to know and obey the rules found in our Rule Book; the Word of God.  Beginning today, we will choose victory in this race.  We will adhere to the dictates of the One who loves us beyond measure and obey the precepts of our God, the Organizer, Judge and Rewarder of this race.  Will you join me on this race? I promise to stand in the gap for you, by keeping you in my prayers. Shall we together, like Paul say, “2 Tim 4 7

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have taken the time to follow the blog.  I am humbled by your comments and likes on the posts.  May the Lord be honored on this adventure.

Have a blessed day and remember: God’s love is unfailing, unwavering and unconditional!

 

 

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25 responses to “RUN, BABY, RUN!”

  3. Great post Brenda! I love the photo of you that looks like you’re off the ground, defying gravity! I’m glad you mentioned that it’s not a competition with other people. It’s our own race on earth that we finish with joy when it’s done according to “His Rules” and have kept the faith! What keeps me running is knowing how much Jesus loves me! He’s my coach! He gives me living water along the way. Sometimes He even carries me, I can do nothing without Him. My reward is eternity in His presence where there is fulness of JOY. He has promised a dwelling place and I am forever grateful!

    Blessings!
    ❤️carmen

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