Run the Race to the Finish Line

 Heb 12:1
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

The metaphors used by the writers to the Hebrews can be interpreted and translated to convey different meanings and applications. Words such as cloud, weight, run, and race were all used to help the reader to connect and apply the truth that was given. It is always my intention as I read the Bible to understand the meaning and the relevant application to my daily walk with God. The Holy Spirit is able to take what I read and apply it directly to my life. It may not be what was implied by the writer as they penned the words, but it is what the Holy Spirit takes and writes to my heart.
 Much has been written about the cloud of witnesses that surround us. Many believe the witnesses are those who have gone before us in death and are now looking down from heaven, cheering us on to keep the faith and don’t give up. That application of scripture encourages the heart to keep pressing on. We all need encouragement not to give up when life gets hard. 
The writer says that we are in a race. A race implies that there is a finish line, a goal that is desired. Running the race means that we are not spectators, but participate in this race. Winning the race is not necessarily being the first one to cross the finish line, but to win is to complete the race to the finish line. Making it to the finish line is what every Christian seeks and desires, but too often there are weights, things in our lives that keep us from being all that God wants us to be. I don’t know what those weights are. They are different for each person, but the Holy Spirit is able to show us what weights we need to lay aside. What keeps us from being all that God wants us to be? Is it a besetting sin of unbelief that hinders us? The sin that keeps us from running could be that the carnal nature is still in control of our lives. A failure to fully surrender to the will of God. The sin of pride and self-will, not letting go and letting God take full control of our lives. John Wesley calls this entire sanctification, a full consecration to the will of God. The Holy Spirit is able to cleanse our heart from the sin that hinders us from finishing the race. It appears that there will be those that will start the race, but will not finish it. Many have quit running, not willing to lay aside the weights and trust God. It is God’s desire that all that start this race finish to the end. Let us run the race with all diligence, and let the Holy Spirit give us the strength and endurance we need to make it to the finish line.

A Strong Tower

Proverb 18:10

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.

The attacks of the enemy often happen unexpectedly. Towers were built in ancient times for many reasons, but most often they were a place to stage off attacks by invaders. It was a place of refuge, a place of safety.  A strong tower is fortified and structured to withstand a siege, to stand strong when the enemy attacks with accusations, persecution, temptation, and the trials of life. Jesus, the Name of the Lord, is our strong tower, He is our place of safety. We run to Him when it appears that the problems of life become overwhelming. The tower is a place where the child of God can find refuge when there is nowhere else to turn. A place surrounded by God’s protection and love. A strong tower is fortified to withstand the storm of life that comes crashing off the shores of a troubled sea. The Name of the Lord (Jesus) desires to wrap us in His arms, protect us from harm, carry us to safety. Run to Him. He is all we need. 

Life is a Race

Thurs. 27th, 082015

1 Corinth 9:36 “ I therefore so run, but not with uncertainty; I so fight, but not as one that beateth the air.”-

Life is a race, there is a start and there is a finish line. Everyone is running this race, but not everyone runs with purpose. Living life day by day, going through the motions and routines, it is easy to forget our purpose. Those who don’t know God, live their life for earthly gain and self satisfaction. They strive to be their best, so they can obtained a temporal award. Having such goals and aspirations are not wrong in themselves, but they should not be the motivating factory that drives a Christian to run the race. We all should set goals and plan for the future, but we do all things for the purpose to gain an eternal award. It would seems at times that we are just “beating the air” going through life without seeing any fruit of our labor. This is no time to give up and quit, we must continue to run the race, strive to be our best for Christ, bring our mind, body, and spirit into subjection to the law of Christ. Let us not forget, that we live that Christ may be lifted up and that we may be an example for Christ to gain the world for Him.