The race has started. You feel your heart beat faster in anticipation, your body prepares for the amount of fatigue you’re about to endure, and your mind repeats “you can do this.” You have many miles ahead of you, and you know you need to keep your pace if you’re going to win.
When you became a devoted runner, you realized your need for good running gear. Your feet would need the support of comfortable shoes, and your body would need clothing that would keep you cool enough as the minutes progress.
Isn’t life similar to a race? Hebrews 12:1-3 says “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, 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
We have an enemy that wants to stop us before we even take the first step, but we have a God that says we can continue pushing on. When we become Christians, we have the gear (the armor of God) and the tools we need to live life well.
Our pace in our walk with God is one thing we can control. Many things will come along our way to try to distract us from living the life He’s called us to, but we can continue to be immersed in the Word and live by it. The most important decision we can ever make is to live for God; once we have committed to that, everything else we do will follow. New fruit will grow in our lives, our hearts will be changed, and our minds will be more at peace. God is the ultimate coach and encourager, so when we are running the race of life, we need to constantly be aware of that fact.
Source: thinwithin.org
Ephesians 6:10-18 says “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
Choose the right thoughts, and never forget the protection God’s given us for free.
