Share the post "Affirmation of God: I will run the race God has set before me with perseverance."
The course has been laid out and marked. It’s race day are we ready? Of course we are as we just face it with an expectation of endurance and perseverance. I find some peace in the fact that the Holy Scriptures acknowledges how easily we are tripped by sin.
Today’s Affirmation comes from Hebrews 12:1: “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.” (NLT)
God has set out a race before us. As we run this race what weights can we throw off? Can you think of a few now? Can you feel some relief as you slip that weight off your shoulders? What is the first weight you need to unload?
Watch your step as we all have sins that trip us up. Amazingly easy! Whatever each of our sins are it is way too easy to be tripped by them. Yes we are tripped up from time to time. The key that the writer of Hebrews shares here is lets run the race with endurance and perseverance.
Just run. Don’t give up. I pray we can encourage and cheer each other along the way. Can you help me shed some of this weight or help clean me off when I trip and fall?
This is not a lonely race but look around you. We are surrounded on every side for this race. The Key is found in chapter 2 of Hebrews. Just keep your eyes on Jesus.
I may stumble but as I regain my footing I am looking to Jesus. Thanks for catching me when I stumbled and reminding me to get my eyes back on Jesus.
Keep running. You will finish and Jesus is at the finish line. Do you have any other thoughts about the race or Hebrews 12?
Tom Raines
Christian Affirmations 4 Life
Cycling changes from summer to fall to winter Tom. From the barest of clothing (shorts and shirt) to having to add layers to eventually feeling like a bear in clothes, I find the weight getting more and more. It is so much easier and faster riding in the summer. The same can be said for our Christian walk. Good reminder today. Thanks.
Great analogy Cycleguy! There are seasons that just reqire more insulation! Love it! Thanks for sharing!
Agreed, Tom and Cycleguy! Seasons are just a part of our spiritual race, aren’t they?
Tom,
I have found it is easier to run this race, this side of Heaven, knowing that my Coach is standing on the side of the road, encouraging me and empowering me to persevere.
Not to make light of the Sovereignty or Holiness of God, but at times I have sensed He truly is in my corner, cheering for me as a father would cheer for his son. He wants the best for us, and He wants us to always put our best efforts out there.
The great thing about God, to me, is that while He pushes me to do my best and to wrap myself in His Spirit to “compete”, He has never put the burden of being perfect upon my shoulders. He has honestly given me the freedom to fail. That sounds odd, but there it is.
Thanks for some encouragement on this cold and windy CT Monday morning, Tom!
You know, it is interesting how your writings have been food for my soul. Last week we drove through the Tennessee/NC mountains. The colors were beautiful. I even tried to capture the movement of leaves falling from the trees. Nature so easily rids itself of old baggage. The trees loose themselves of the leaves that would break them down under the weight of the ice and snow. Occasionally, we see where a the mountain has released a rock here and there. We are taught to let go of the “stuff” in our lives that would cause us to break down but we refuse to believe that the God who created us know what is best. You are right, we all know the things that slow us down. Just Saturday, I intentionally spent the day singing, “Lord, I cast my cares upon you.” When we do this we are able to run with ease. Thanks Tom for your encouragement, The truth, we are not perfect in our walk but we are seeking to serve the one who is. I am so glad we have each other as we run this race together.
Donald thank God for His perfect gift in Jesus so we do not have to be perfect in our own strength!
Patsy you, your family and the Nashville ministry are often in my thoughts and prayers. You have made my dayreminding me how God does provide our daily bread. His kingdom come and His will be done. In Christ’s love may we continue to spur each other on!!