BIBLE PASSAGE:
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, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for
the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
MEDITATION:
Remember the story of the hare and the tortoise? It was a great contrast
of personalities, wasn’t it? There was the hare who was equipped with
everything required for winning a race. This made him overconfident
and he made mistakes that caused him to lose the race.
As soon as the hare knew he was winning the race, he felt he no
longer had to concentrate on the finish line or use his skills to
their full capacity. In addition, he felt he could rest at any time
and still win the race.
In contrast, the tortoise didn’t have the same abilities as the hare,
but he had something the hare didn’t have. He had the wisdom to
know the race was long and would require focus, determination
and stamina to be victorious. He didn’t have to worry about being
overconfident because once the race began, he was far behind with
seemingly no chance of winning.
When we look at the differences, it is a good analogy of our race to win the
crown of life, promised to those who finish the race. With wisdom, we know
the only way to win the crown is to be focused on the finish line, have stamina,
be determined and realize our weaknesses.
We also know we have an adversary who wants us to lose the race and
he is much more powerful and deceptive than we are, so we must seek
the Lord’s assistance for leveling the playing field. The Lord is capable
of repelling the efforts by Satan to make us lose the race of life. If we
fail to use wisdom, realize our weaknesses, remain steady in our efforts,
have a relentless determination and seek the Lord’s help, we will not
win the crown.
There are many who underestimate the power of the evil one and as soon
as they feel they have won one leg of the race, they get overconfident and
let their guard down. When that happens, the evil one seizes the opportunity
and attacks through our weaknesses (the sinful areas we struggle with each
day).
Satan loves it when he can create a false confidence in our ability to
reject his efforts without calling on the Lord. Overconfidence can
result in temporary setbacks, or it can permanently damage us to
the point we will never recover. Satan’s weapon is temptation and
sin, which is a slippery slope for all who lose their focus.
The scriptures give us four important elements for success. The first
element is to know we are running the race in a cloud of witnesses.
It is a reminder that others observe our claim of faith and they know
if we are sincere or if we’re just playing some kind of religious game.
The second element is to realize there are many things in this life that
could cause us to stumble. We are encouraged to lay aside the weight
of sin and the things of this world that cause us to stumble and keep
us from winning the race. We must keep our priorities in the right order.
The third element is for us to realize we must run the race with patience.
Our race is not a dash, but a marathon that lasts our entire life. We can’t
allow small or short-term victories to develop overconfidence, or cause us
to feel we can take a break at any time (our opponent never takes a break).
The fourth element is, we must keep looking to Jesus. It is a reminder for
us to place our confidence and trust in Jesus Christ. We also have to remain
focused on the finish line and on the One who will be waiting for us when we
finish the race.
ACTION:
Questions to think about:
– Where am I in this most important race
that will determine where I will spend eternity?
At the end of our race, we will either be resurrected to life,
or we will be resurrected to an eternal judgment of misery.
God’s Word has given us the elements we need for success,
but it is up to us to implement them into our everyday life.
– How am I doing with the most important element – placing
my confidence and trust in Jesus, and not myself?
If I am not getting closer to Him, then I am getting farther
away; it’s more difficult to trust someone who is not nearby.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of
the race of life I am running, and the prize that
awaits me at the finish line. I know that for me to
win the race, I must stay focused on You and have
complete confidence that You are beside me for the
entire race. Help me to be honest with myself and
make whatever lifestyle changes I need to make so
I can live closer to You.”
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