GET READY, GET SET, GO! THE RACE FOR LIFE HAS STARTED!

SCRIPTURE:
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 gave him overconfidence and he made mistakes that caused him to lose.
As soon as he saw he was winning the race, he felt he no longer had to 
concentrate on the finish line or use his skills to their fullest capacity.
In addition, he felt he could rest at any time and still win the race.

On the other hand, the tortoise did not have the same skills as the hare, 
but he had something the hare did not have.
He had the wisdom to know that the race was long and would require 
focus, determination and stamina in order to be successful. 
He didn’t have to worry about overconfidence because as soon as 
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 that the only way to win the crown is to be focused 
on the finish line, be determined, have stamina, and realize our weaknesses.
In addition, since our adversary who wants us to lose the race is much more 
powerful and deceptive than we are, we have to seek the Lord’s assistance 
in order to level the playing field.

If we fail to do these things, then 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.
Overconfidence can result in temporary setbacks, 
or it can permanently damage us to the point we will never recover.
His weapon is sin and it is a slippery slope for those who lose their focus.

The scriptures give us four very 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 know 
if we are sincere, or 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 cannot allow small or short term victories to develop overconfidence, 
or cause us to feel we can take a break (our opponent never takes a break).

The fourth element is, we have to 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 the One 
who will be waiting for us when we complete the race.

ACTION:
Where are you in this most important race 
that will determine where you will spend eternity?
At the end of your race, you will either be resurrected to life, 
or you will be resurrected to eternal judgment.
God’s Word has given you the elements you need for success, 
but it is up to you to implement them into your everyday life.

Take a moment 
and ask yourself how you are doing on the most important element.
Are you placing your confidence and trust in Jesus?
If you are not getting closer to Him, then you are getting farther away, 
and it is more difficult to put your trust in someone who is not nearby.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for calling my attention to the race 
I am running, and the prize that awaits me when it finish. I know 
that in order to be successful, I must stay focused on You and have 
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 in order to live closer to You.”