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Scripture
Observation (What does it say?)
Application (What does it say to me?)
Prayer
S - Hebrews 12:1 b “…and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (NIV)
O - We are called to stay on course and faithfully and consistently move forward with the determination of an athlete.
A - Whether or not I feel like it, I am called to stay in the race and run, not walk, with perseverance. Only by God’s grace can I do so. I didn’t choose this path I’m on but God did. I would have picked a leisurely walk in a garden with plenty of rest spots to sit and enjoy the view. But Paul says “Run!”. Make progress! Get ahead! Keep moving even when you feel like quitting - especially then. James says “the testing of your faith develops perseverance “, and we need that for running. So, any test of our faith should help develop our perseverance if we embrace it and lean into God’s teaching through it. It’s so much easier to give up or get out, change plans or change course.
With every race, there is a marked and definite finish line. Spiritually speaking, heaven awaits us at the finish line and Jesus is cheering us on as are all those who have gone before us. They know it will all be worth it in the end. We need to keep our eyes on the end goal rather than the distractions along the way that can slow us down and alter our course. It takes very little to get me side-tracked and slow my pace. Self-doubt, envy, bitterness, a critical spirit, pursuit of wealth or comfort most likely will reduce our race time to a slow crawl or bring us to a complete standstill. Resetting our focus on Jesus and what He has done on our behalf helps us pick up our pace again and renews our determination and strength to run the path He has marked for us. It helps to keep us from “growing weary and losing heart” v.3.
P- This journey is not for the faint of heart. Thankfully, You give grace and strength to those who are weak but rely on You to complete the race. Grateful!