RUNNING THE RACE

The word of God admonishes in Hebrews 12:1, “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” The journey of life is a race of life. Running the race is not by strength or by determination, but only by the grace of God. There is no strong man in the race of life and that is why the word declares, “…For by strength no man shall prevail.” (1 Samuel 2:9) Despite the truth that the race can only be successfully run by grace and not by strength, there should be no reason to abuse the grace to run through. To run the race through, two things have to be avoided as mentioned in the scriptural verse above are: weight and sin.
The action we take in living life is the evidence of our faith. It is faith that propels action and action is what God sees to determine how He is pleased with us. The book of 1 Samuel 2:3 states it better, “For the Lord is the God of knowledge; and by Him actions are weighed.” What’s the weight of your action before God? Weight is the unnecessary thing that adds nothing to man but take away from man by slowing man down. Weight is major hindrance which is often considered as minor. Weight is what man should fully let go and not carry along while answering to God’s calling in running the race of life. Weight is heavy and that makes it burdensome. It is written, “Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22) Engaging any burden instead of casting burden on God is enough to move a believer outside of walking in line of righteousness. It is also the evidence of asking God to withdraw His helping hand. Burden often comes inform of unnecessary religious weight which can only make a believer to look good but not complete in every good works to do the will of God. A failure not to let go weight is the avenue not run successfully. What is it that can be considered weight in your race? Do not ignore nor excuse the representative of weight in your life but seek for it to be terminated.
Sin is the evil which man often engages consciously or unconsciously. Sin is missing the mark of God’s will by choice and because of human weakness. It is when man’s action or attitude disobeys God and it always brings pain. The major root of sin is pride. Where pride reigns humility is absent and sin in abundance exist. When sin takes control in man’s life, his/her action becomes rooted in it. Which sin reigns and rule your life? Is it manipulation, unforgiving, lying, deception, malice, fornication, adultery, stealing and all kinds of race terminating baggage?
The race is already set for everyone born of a woman and there is no choice but to run it. To run the race requires endurance through the grace of God. In this world of challenges, running with determination will not be enough but running with endurance is what it takes to run successfully. Running the race with endurance can only be engaged by looking up unto Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Jesus occupies the position at the starting and end point on the race track. Those in the race should remain focused from the beginning of the race to the end by holding on at a steady pace. For effective and successful running, Jesus paid the price on the cross with His blood. The Blood of Jesus never runs out or short of supply, therefore take to the word by “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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) In the race of life, it is not palatable to look away from Jesus, the One who has been at the beginning of the race and will be waiting for us at the end of the race.
Are you getting weighed down in the race of life? Be encouraged; keep pace in your race and do not be discouraged in the race of life. Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith already stated, “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Hold on to Him by keeping your eyes on Him and He will see you through.
Remember that, the race is not to the swift but those who run it from the beginning to the finish line. It is important to know and run the race without any weight or sin because weight will slow any runner down. Slowing down will bring forth the temptation of abandoning the race; abandoning the race will lead to eternal damnation.

FAITH CAPSULE:
Be encouraged and do not be discouraged in the race of life.
With Jesus, you will run with peace and find rest.