Run the Race (part 2)

Greetings!!!

Are you a runner? As I observe more and more races as an official, I see more and more lessons to learn and apply to the marathon of life as a child of God.

Runners have to be prepared. In the same way that a person does not just show up at the starting line to run a race and expect to do well, you must prepare for this journey. Some necessities are reading the Bible, taking time to pray for yourself and others, spending time in worshipping the Lord and thank Him for what He has done, and joining in fellowship with other believers.

Runners must know the rules. When runners break the rules, they are disqualified from the race. Although you will not be disqualified when you break the rules (sin), you do need to know when you sin and confess and repent of that sin so you can have a clean slate with God. 1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness."

Runners have to stay in their lanes. When a runner gains the advantage by stepping out of the assigned lane, he or she is disqualified. Our heavenly Father graciously speaks to His children who desire to follow His plan in Isaiah 30:21, "And your ears will hear a word behind you, "This is the way, walk in it," whenever you turn to the right or to the left."

You cannot run well if you keep looking back. Just as a runner is more likely not to run well if he keeps looking backward, your focus needs to be forward. Paul puts it this way in Philippians 3:13-14: "forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Runners must be considerate of those competing with them. In the same way that runners in a race must be considerate of those running alongside them, you must not only consider others, but also go a step further in your consideration of those who are in life's journey with you. Philippians 2:3 puts it this way: "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of other."

Always remember that this journey is not a sprint but a marathon. Train well and you will make it to the very end. The completion of this journey does not offer a prize to only the strongest runners. No, in this journey, it is God's desire that you help as many people as you can to finish with you. I pray that you will not only join me in this journey, but also that you will cross the finish line with me into eternity.

The LORD bless you with joy and strength on your journey, and with bringing many along with you on the way.

I love you,

Ruth