It Is Your Race

Greetings!!!

Do you ever get tired of all the self-help books that explain in three, seven or twelve step all the issues of life?  What if writers of the Bible wrote seven step self-help books instead of the books of the Bible. Can you imagine what would have happened? We may not have been blessed with the Bible. What are you facing today? Although your situation may be similar to other people's situations, yours is unique because you are unique. God wants you to seek Him and His word for your situation not just a self-help book. 

I have been reading and listening to Hebrews. Hebrews 11 and 12 really jumped out at me this morning. Hebrews 1:1 says, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." It goes on to list numerous saints who endured many hardships, never saw the promise, yet still lived by faith. Then, Hebrews 12:1-3 continues, "Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lose heart." 

You have a race to run. Your race might be similar to mine, but yours is not mine. You need to run your race. You need to fix your eye on the goal. Your goal is the same as mine, Jesus Christ our Lord. You may encourage me, and I may encourage you, but our races will be different. This race will probably not be a sprint. No, for most of God's children, it will be a marathon. Marathons are not glamorous or glorious. No, marathons are grueling, exhausting, wearying, debilitating, exacting, strenuous, harsh, severe, stressful, hellish. Marathons are an enormous amount of work. The race began the day you gave Jesus lordship of your life and will continue until you are finally home with Him in heaven. Do not be discouraged. I know beyond a doubt that since you were called to this race, God will see you through it. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Fix you eyes.

The LORD bless you with running your race with determination to finish well.  

I love you,

Ruth