Running The Race Set Before Me

On Fridays, I love to stretch myself by participating in Lisa-Jo's 5 minute Friday blog party.  Lisa-Jo gives us a word and we write for 5 minutes, writing from the heart, and not doing endless revisions of what we have written.  Just plain and simple off-the-cuff writing.  Visit her at her blog, Lisa-Jo Baker: tales from a Gypsy Mama, if you would like to participate.

Today's word is ....

RACE

Okay, I'm a girl who has scripture always running through her mind.  My kids tease that I can turn anything into a devotional.  But when I saw today's word, I couldn't help it - Race definitely makes me think of Hebrews 12:1: 

 Hebrews 12:1-3 (KJV)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

The thing is race in this context is not a quick 50-yard dash, but a concentrated cross-country effort.  This race will take everything you have, and when you hit the wall - you'll have to summon up even more.

 

This race calls for endurance.  You get no prize for giving up - but you'll get a crown if you endure to the end.

The longer you run the race, the more you don't want to give up.  What is there to go back to? 

No, my friend, we must keep on keeping on.  Run wisely, not carrying any extra weight.  We need nothing to weigh us down.  No regrets, no guilt, we have taken care of that with the Master.  No worries for we know He'll supply the thing that is needed most WHEN it is needed.

He does not burden us with the future, He just asks us to keep our eyes on the goal and RACE!

STOP