I FORGOT JUNE 4TH!

My word for June 4^th is RACE

Martha and I use to jog all the time.  Back in the day it was very enjoyable.  We would jog around the neighborhood and stop at homes with swimming pools and jump in, clothes and all.  We decided one year we would run in the great “Duck Race”.  It was only 6 miles, so it wouldn’t take much training.  We were already jogging 3-4 miles, so we only had to add 2-3 more.  We got right on it, added the miles and were ready for the race.  That cold, wet morning had arrived, we finished the race, not at the front, but not dead last either.  Now people prepare, not just for simple races, they train for half marathons, whole marathons, warrior dashes, and tough mudders.  All of these races require hours of training; you must have endurance and stamina.  I envy all of the athletes that run and I would love to get out there and sweat again, however my back won’t let me.  I guess it isn’t my race anymore; I will have to find a new race to train for.  

We are all in training for our “race of life”.  All of our life races are different, just as the different races runners have to choose from.    We must allow God to direct us to the path he wants us to run.   While in training God will lead us to our goals.  Some may think our goals are out of the ordinary or some may think we will never accomplish our goals, but we don’t need to worry about anyone’s opinion or anyone’s approval.  The only opinion or approval we need is God’s.  If it is what God wants us to run for He will place our purpose in our heart.  When we understand our purpose we should run full speed ahead.  This isn’t saying that at times we won’t feel the need to drop out of the race, the training may become too much to bear.   We may think we can’t go on, we are out of breath, drained of our energy.  Someone or something has rained on our race.   It is during these times that we must continue to have faith and persevere through tests and trials.  These trying times are when God is running the race with us, carrying us.  With Him we can endure what it takes to finish our race. 

Get ready, get set, go, take off on your race, set your pace and keep going.  Be strong and run your race with God.  Run with the purpose that He has given you.  God is cheering you on waiting for you at the finish line. 

Dear Lord with You we are ready for this race of life.  We know that running with You and for You will give us strength and endurance.  Help us when our muscles are heavy and tired.  Allow us to feel Your purpose for us in our hearts.  Remind us that this is our race to run, we can’t be afraid to run it.  Give us confidence in what You want us to be running towards during 2012. 

Hebrews 12:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.