…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. ~Hebrews 12:1
“Mom, you should run a marathon.” I almost spit out my water in laughter. I HATE running but with a big birthday approaching, she suggested a big goal. A marathon will not be happening. But I do want to focus on running one race well: the one God has for me.
At my annual checkup, I was discussing with my doctor everyone else’s needs and how it’s been stressful lately. I’m trying to manage everyone’s everything but what’s missing is me. That may sound selfish, but only I can do certain things for me. I understand what needs to be done for my health and wellness, now it’s time to execute. Instead of managing everyone else, I’ve decided to switch to managing me and supporting them.
It hit me as I left the doctor how God has designed a race specific for all of us. I can’t run anyone else’s race and they can’t run mine. It’s time to refocus on my race and cheer others on in theirs. I’ll still be around to at times manage and always support, but it’s time to do what only I can do-run my own race.
Running our own race will be our theme for this month. As today’s verse reminds us, sin will try to trip us up and we need endurance. We’ll examine this, as well as habits to train well, how it involves our body, mind, and soul as well as the joy found in running our own race.
I like to be in control and submitting more to God’s plan and letting go of mine will be trying at times. It will involve focus, balance and yes, even joy. But that’s what life is-a constant search to find God’s path in the midst of this broken world. Fixing our eyes on Him, we can run our race well and become more like Him with each stride.
First up is finding what God’s race is for each of us. Which path do we take and how do we run this race? The answers are different for each of us and will probably change over time. Sometimes one path ends and we need to change course. Other times, we get distracted with others’ races. We try to catch up or change lanes and in the process lose sight of God’s unique plan for us.
The key is staying true to the race God has set before us as our verse states. We find direction in His Word. The Bible truly is a training manual for each of our races. Every time we read it fresh revelations abound, even in the most well-known passages. Race directions await if only we seek them. (Watch for new Bible study soon on this!)
[tweetthis]Find directions for the race God has for you in the #Bible #Faith #FollowingHisFootprints[/tweetthis]Start by asking God for an open heart to hear His wisdom. Then open and read your Bible and allow its words to speak to your heart and soul. Listen to how it applies to your life then put one foot in front of the other to where He’s leading. Talk to Him in prayer, take time to listen for His directions and then act.
Let’s run this race God has planned for each of us. No, it’s not a physical marathon like my daughter suggested. But in many ways, it will take even more dedication and focus. We need to build endurance by staying connected in His Word and heeding His directions. It’s a lifetime of staying on course to what God has created us for. Are you in? It’s our biggest and best race ever-let’s go!
Linking up with Brenda at #ChasingCommunity
Jill, what a great series, and a good time for it — as many of us are probably hitting reset and re-evaluate on our January goals. (And yay for an upcoming Bible study!) “The Bible truly is a training manual for each of our races.” Yes, so true. Thanks for the reminder to stick with God because where He’s going is so much better than the trail I’d get myself lost on. (And have at times!) Early birthday blessings, my friend. ((xoxo))
Thanks Brenda and yes, we’ve all wandered down those rabbit trails! Hoping the series blesses others as I strive toward this myself. 🙂
Yes, I’m in! I like the idea of running my own race without getting distracted by someone else’s race. That’s so easy for me to do. Of course we’re called to love and serve others, but we do need to care for ourselves. Looking forward to this series!
Thanks Betsy-it’s a constant awareness of caring for ourselves as we live and are called to serve others!
Thanks for sharing this post. I really enjoyed it! I especially relate to the whole running connection in our journey of faith. My passion for running and encouraging others led to a book I wrote that highlights the parallels between running a physical race and our spiritual race of life. Check it out. Blessings to you as you keep on running your race! https://www.amazon.com/Embracing-Race-Devotions-Runners-Soul/dp/163357072X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Thanks Lisa and congrats on your book, it looks great. Our races are different for all of us, but one thing remains constant-Jesus runs with us. Thanks for visiting and your encouragement. Here’s to continued running well!
Jill, Hebrews 12:1-2 is one of my very favorite passages. Your focus on taking care of ourselves is much needed! Blessings as you run your race and thank you for encouraging me in mine!
Thanks Leslie-anytime. Love to lift up and encourage-we all need this!