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, 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 Paul speaks about our spiritual journey as of an athlete who is running a race. The Greek word for race is agoon, from which we derive the word agony. The idea is one of struggle, a contest, and a conflict. The Bible does NOT ANYWHERE say, If you will only believe, everything will be sunshine; no more sorrow, pain, or heartache; all will be easy. But rather a struggle! Paul says there is a race before us--a road paved with difficulty, conflict, struggle, adversity, and trial. And we are continually surrounded with battles. You will find all along the roadside many fallen disciples who had good intentions but became casualties in this fight. The challenge is to run with patience, with perseverance, with a steadfast faith in Christ! The old hymn Am I A Soldier of the Cross? by Isaac Watts is one we should read again and again, asking ourselves its challenging questions: Am I a soldier of the Cross? A follower of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause Or blush to speak His name? Must I be carried to the skies On flowry beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize And sailed through bloody seas? Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God? Sure I must fight if I would reign-- Increase my courage, Lord! Ill bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word! There are no prerequisites to be saved, other than a repentant heart, but there are requirements to run the race! There must be a complete commitment. Lay aside every weight...every sin. Someone asked the late Bear Bryant, the head football coach at the University of Alabama, What makes your players so determined to win? His answer was simple, but one he had instilled into their hearts: Because theres nothing else. A winning attitude demands commitment to excellence! How determined are we to be Gods best? How willing are we to lay aside every weight, every sin, that doth so easily beset us, and run with patience [perseverance] the race that is set before us? How can we? BY LOOKING TO JESUS! Our ULTIMATE goal is the home that He has gone to prepare for His Bride! Living in His love and presence forever!
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:54:18 +0000
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