Friday, December 12, 2008

what is your race?

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." [Hebrews 12:1-3]

This was the scripture Bryan spoke on tonight at our young adult's service, The Continuum, and it was very refreshing. I enjoy hearing sermons, and flipping to the passage the speaker is speaking on, and finding that I have already underlined it, yet hearing a new perspective each time.

Bmax/Bryan always does an amazing job when he speaks, however tonight was one that did it for me. He touched on a lot of key points in this specific passage, a few stood out to me though. We've all heard it been said many of times, "the Christian life is like running a race to reach the Prize". When this imagery was brought up tonight it got me thinking. As Christians, essentially, we are running this race in our life. A race that will lead us to a prize of eternity with our Creator. A race, where along the way, we have our fellow brothers & sisters in the stands, cheering us on; encouraging us if we fall, to get right back up. A race, where Jesus is like our coach, running alongside us the entire time, with a water cup in hand if we become thirsty. A race, where at the finish line, we see our Father with His arms stretched wide open saying, "Well done, good & faithful servant!".

Now of course running is not the easiest. It takes training, and pain. Often it takes you to fall a few times; get some bruises & scrapes on your knees to become stronger and faster. But aren't those some of the better times? The times that you can look back and see that if it weren't for those times, you wouldn't have grown? That's how I like to look at my race.

In Hebrews, the author [whom we do not know for certain], makes a very important point about this race. In reference to our sin as weight. We need to rid ourselves of it, though it clings so tightly to us. It is pure weight, slowing us down. Obviously it sounds a lot easier than it really is. But let that not be our excuse, friends! That's why the author says to run this race "looking to JESUS, the founder and perfecter of our faith". He is there to guide and lead us to victory! Plus, He is awesome enough to provide us brothers & sisters along the way to build us up and push us when needed. Man, God is amazing :]

Lastly, in verse 3 it reads, "Consider Him who endured
from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." I really like those two words. Such encouragement. Through the toughest of our battles, that is what we ought to do. "Consider Him." Just consider what the cost of the Cross was. Consider the price He paid SO THAT we would not grow weary. WOW. 9 years later, and I am still in awe of the God I serve.

So, whether you are a Christian or not, or maybe in a confused state of mind, you should still be asking yourself, what is your race? We all have one. And if you know your race, then what is your end-prize? What is awaiting you at the finish line? Because once you know that answer, is that worth living for? Worth fighting everyday of your existence for? If not, you may want to start considering running a different race.

I know the race I am running is life fulfilling and so encouraging, and I am so grateful for those of you running with me and cheering me on, every step of the way.

Be blessed.

3 comments:

  1. "So, whether you are a Christian or not, or maybe in a confused state of mind, you should still be asking yourself, what is your race? We all have one. And if you know your race, then what is your end-prize? What is awaiting you at the finish line?"


    dude, right on girl. right on! such a rad encouragement. im glad we are both running the same race. & im glad we BOTH get that prize. there is no 1st or 2nd or 3rd place. =]


    i love you.

    this entry was rad.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I like the metaphor of the race, because I think that running a race is not so much about the prize at the end but the journey along the way. You know, building the kingdom here on earth.

    ReplyDelete