Have you ever watched or been on the sidelines of a race as the runners passed by. There is excitement and the sound of cheering as the runners race by, each one intent on reaching the finish line and winning the prize. Judging by the popularity of the Olympics and other competitions these races obviously capture many people’s attention and imagination, as we marvel at the competitors athleticism, dedication and hours of training.
Yesterday I saw such a running race, except it was in the form of a vision I received whilst I waiting in Gods presence. I saw this large green hillside and Jesus was loudly cheering me on as I ran up the hill. He was yelling “Run, run really fast and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing around you; just run into all that I have for you”. He was really excited, and was jumping up and down as he ran alongside me on the hillside, much like spectators do alongside the track of a road race or cross country.
This vision has stuck in my mind, plus its accompanying message to Run! Perhaps because we often do anything but run when it comes to our lives. We can just plod! We plod along through the challenges, constant little dramas, difficulties and other people’s stuff; and we far too often get bogged down in it all.
But I don’t think being “bogged down” was ever Gods plan for us. He actually says the exact opposite in His word, and encourages us to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And to run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12: 1-2). Plus when you feel like you might be growing weary and going to lose heart don’t give up, but look at Jesus and His example of persevering even through opposition and difficulties.
God wants and created us to run through this life. He promises assistance when we choose to draw our strength from spending regular time with Him, and as we learn to wait and found renewal in His presence. The bible says, “Do you not know that in a race the runners run but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize”. (1 Corinthians 9:24)
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint”.(Isaiah 40:31)
The question perhaps that we need to ask ourselves everyday is what are we pursuing and running after and towards? Are we pursuing primarily our own desires, needs and wants, or are we pursuing Jesus, and all that He has for us in this time and hour? We can easily become distracted and even get led off track by the noise and glamour of other things. This can cause us to miss the true prize and the ability to see the value in what Jesus is trying to lead us to.
Today, choose carefully what and whom you are running to and into. Jesus and all of heaven is cheering us on to run, and to not get bothered or distracted by those things that are around us. Determine to run your race well, and to make it one in which you seek after and pursue that which is of true and of lasting value! Run today, and run fast!
Prayer: Lord please give me wisdom and strength to run my race well in this life, and to pursue you, and all that you have to reveal to me. Help me not to get “bogged down” in the inconsequential things of this world, when you want to show me all the mysteries of heaven and the universe. In Jesus name Amen.
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