Run Your Race

Last week our Bible study group started the study Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst. It's basically a study about how we give food a place of honor in our lives that is only meant for God. We run to food in times of stress, anxiety, joy, etc instead of running to God. This may not necessarily be true for you but I know that it is true for me! And let's face it, if you are a woman in America, it is probably true for you too, to some degree.

Well, this afternoon I was reading in Hebrews 12 and I really felt like part of what the writer of Hebrew was saying fits into my decision to make healthier food choices and put God first in my life. And as I was reading the notes for Hebrews 12, it lead me to a place in 1 Corinthians 9. These two passages really go together and they really spoke to me today.

 Hebrew 12:1-2
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

1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Run with Endurance

Do Not Quit

Keep My Eyes Focused on Christ

 

Run to get the prize

What is the prize?

The prize is the JOY SET BEFORE ME - it is God's pleasure in me for doing His will.

I will only achieve this prize by keeping my eyes fixed on Christ.

 

I discipline my body to make it my slave -

My body does not discipline me -

I discipline my body.

An undisciplined body (or spirit) cannot run with endurance

 

I set aside the sin that entangles me and prevents me from running well.

I set aside the sin that trips me up so that I can run with Endurance.

 

What trips me up this year may not trip me next year - I need to keep evaluating my race.

 

What is preventing me from running well?

What is preventing me from worshiping God the way I should?

 

What is the race that God has set before you? What is preventing you from running well?

 

Endure, dear friends! We have a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on! And whatever we are facing, it is nothing compared to what Christ went through - Keep your eyes fixed on Him and you Can run your race Well!

 

May God bless you all as you seek to know Him better ~ Shannon