Eight years ago I ran my first 5K race. It was also my last one. Running just isn’t my thing. But, at the time I had one goal in mind – to run a 5K. It was hard work! I was a non-runner starting from scratch. I prepared by first investing in a decent pair of running shoes. I then researched and started a training routine. Most importantly, I did not give up. I got stronger, built up my endurance and crossed that finish line! That may have been my one and only physical race, but friend, you and I are running a spiritual one every day.
Hebrews 12:1 says “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”. I love this verse! Let’s discuss, starting with the last phrase – the race marked out for us – since it helps to know what the goal is before we start anything. What race? Life! (Including how we live, how we treat others, how we manage the gifts God has given us, how we show our thanks to God…) It’s a BIG race but the prize of eternal life in Heaven is spectacular! God has planned out a course for all of us. Unfortunately, unlike when I signed up for the 5K and knew exactly what I was getting into (the date, time, place and route), God’s plan for our lives doesn’t always come with all the details laid out. Chances are it isn’t always going to be on smooth terrain. There will be many bumps and hills to climb, which is where the preparation comes in!
There is no way I would have been able to finish a 5K without some training. That was evident on my first day of running (mostly walking). I was using the light poles on my street as guideposts and I am certain they were getting further and further apart every step I took. But the more I practiced, the less pain I suffered, the easier it was to breathe and the further I went. Such is the way with our lives and Hebrews 12:1 tells us how we need to prepare. We need to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin the so easily entangles”. What hinders you from moving forward? For me it can be the worry of failure, the fear of getting hurt, depression, a lack of confidence. It all depends on the day and the task ahead. And what about sin? Sin can be sneaky. It can start as something really small but can quickly balloon into something out of our control. So what do we do with all these things weighing us down and getting us caught in a snare? How do we cast them away? I have many ideas and not enough space in a blog to share them all but I will tell you a few things that helped me personally prepare for a happier life with God in it. First, I suggest picking up and reading the Bible often. Psalms is a great place to start. Second, I would pray to God, again often, and ask Him remove some of the burden. Third, find a church where you can surround yourself with Christian friends (often!) who can help lift you out of the pit!
By easing our burden and letting go of the things slowing us down and tripping us up, we can then “run with perseverance”! Life is not easy nor is always fun but with hard work, practice, determination and the right tools, you can achieve anything! Keep going, do not give up. It’s perfectly fine if you aren’t the first one to reach the finish line, but the important thing is that you do! I’m here to help.
Love, Melissa
I’m reading a great book by Tony Evans called Kingdom Stewardship. Right now I’m on a chapter talking about grace where he tells the reader “Grace can be defined as God’s inexhaustible supply of goodness” for you. Next week I’ll talk more about grace. The scripture verse for this week is Ephesians 2:8 “For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith – and it is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”.
Melissa Pillone Speaks 