Run Your Race Well

Towards the end of last year, the Lord impressed on my heart the need to finish strong and as this year has gone on, I want to encourage you to remain strong. Strong in faith, strong in your pursuit of Him, strong in service to Him.

The word of God does not fail! I want to encourage you to remain strong in faith. This has been an ongoing theme and point of reflection for me personally and it’s because once we as God’s children receive a revelation of His great love for us and faithfulness we will be unstoppable. 

Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. 

Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 

After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

The Lord has a great work for us to do. Times are getting darker but it only means that our light as the Church (global body) is shining brighter. The world is desperate for a sign of hope, desperate for truth amidst corruption, disappointment and heartache and we are their answered prayer.

The race the Lord has set before you is particular to you. Psalm 139:16 says that He laid out our days before us. Only you know what He has asked of you. I always say this but there are destinies, lives on the other side of your obedience. 

What the Lord is asking of you is not beyond your capability in Him. He has equipped you with all that you need to fulfil the call and the destiny He has predestined for you. The pressure is off. As you behold Him, looking to Jesus with your gaze transfixed on His face, the work will flow. You will begin to operate from another level (Matthew 6:33). These things are not only physical things but also the wisdom, strength, guidance needed to fulfil all that He has called you to.

Let this year be the year that you step out in faith for what the Lord has called you to. It could be stepping out in evangelism for the first time, sharing the gospel with a long time friend or family member. It could be a divine business idea that the Lord has laid on your heart to launch. Romans 8 says that creation is groaning, awaiting God’s sons and daughters to arise and walk in what He has called them to do. And I believe that this doesn’t only include nature but fellow humans too. Your obedience could be on the other side of someone’s breakthrough. There are innovative ideas on the inside of you. Books, revolutionary products. Don’t hold back.

I know that He has been speaking to some of us about taking a stand and stepping out in faith and I want to encourage you in that now. The pressure is off. All of these achievements, ideas etc. will flow effortlessly with the Lord. It has nothing to do with us. All we have to do is take the first step. Utilise the counsel He has given you through team leaders, department heads, leaders in the church etc. There is safety in a multitude of counsellors. As you submit, He will carry you through, give you the divine blueprints/design. 

When He calls us to walk on water it’s up to us to take the first step. As we do, He will catch and carry us over the waves. 

And I believe that the beginning of the year is a great opportunity and time to do an audit of your life. I know the first half of the year has been and gone but it’s not too late. We saw how the author of Hebrews encourages us as readers to cut off the sin that so easily ensnares us and I want to invite you to take stock of your heart and life. If there is unforgiveness, unconfessed sins, habits that you know may be permissible but not for edification, take a moment with the Lord and disclose it all. 

The Lord is worthy of our whole yes. When we get to the end of our walk and we are face to face with Him may the only thing we say be:

I have glorified you on the earth, I have completed the work you have set for me to do.

John 17:4 NKJV

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I thank You Lord that I do not walk alone. Thank You that You are with me and that You are for me and that because of that I will not fall or fail.

Thank You Lord that what You've called me to, You have equipped me for.

I choose to obey and say yes to Your call. I thank You for the plans You have for me.

I thank You that You will use my life to display Your glory here on earth.

In Your precious name Jesus, I pray.

Amen.

“We will run this race, focused on Your face. You won’t let us grow weary. We will run this race focused on Your face, You won’t let us lose heart.”