Run To Win

Hebrews 12:1-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.

Life is a long tenuous race, full of hindrances ,bumps, uncertainties with  a lot of witnesses. The only thing that can guarantee a successful race of life  is  to focus on the price one receives at the end of the race. Hebrew 12:2-3 is a great encouragement for us--  ,"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart". These verses remind us to focus our attention on the author and perfecter of our faith: Jesus Christ and how He overcame the numerous hindrances and obstacles that were set before him.

Run Free Of Weights

Any runner knows that he or she must minimize weight which serves as a resistance to finishing a successful race. Extra pounds whether in body weight or clothes, impede speed and performance and must be eliminated as soon as possible. Therefore the key to reaching your dreams requires running  "light". As we saw in the scripture above which says "Let us lay aside every weight and sin which easily ensnares us".

Sin A Spider Web

Sin is the very obstacle that prevents or obstructs us from reaching our dreams in life as successful Christians in life. Sin has prevented many from reaching their dream lands. Sin is like a  spider web, and it easily entangles us in our life. The Key to overcoming this sneaky mountain of sin is to submit to the word of God at all times in our lives. We need to repent any time we recognize sin in our lives and get back on the track . We shouldn't give up anytime we fail, because it's a long tenuous race. 1 John 1:9 says if we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness. I particularly like James 4:7 which encourages us to submit to God, and after that resist the devil and he will flee from us. That's a powerful weapon against sin and every device of the enemy against us. We need to submit to God first by complete obedience to the word of God and after that prayerfully resist the devil and he will flee.

Life's weights

Life's stress can lead to weight gain and an obstacle to a great finish of the race.  Weights can be very deceiving because of the well-motives we have about them. For example excessive busyness is a common weight that is often rooted in the inability to say no or set boundaries. Emotional baggage such as regret and self-reproach for past failures and disappointments, victim-mentality will also weigh you down.Other common symptoms of weights include excessive amount of time spent on activities such as hobbies, work, socializing, watching television, shopping etc. All these are healthy in moderation but overindulgence and imbalance will keep you from reaching your goals. Detach yourself from self -destructive habits.

Run with Endurance

You need to strive on daily in life. You need to push yourself to keep going regardless of the circumstances surrounding you. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Refuse to give in to feelings of fatigue and discouragement. Be tenaciously determined to finish the race. There is a feeling of euphoria that normally comes from having completed a long distance race succefully. Every runner starts well with joy and enthusiasm, but not all finish confident enough. The difference between the starters and the winners is perseverance or endurance. You need to be determined and persistent to finish the race, if you fail in this initial push of persistence, trust me you won't get any where. If you think you will fail, you will , and if you think you will win, definitely you will certainly win. Build your endurance and staying power to keep you in the race.

Run with Focus

Focus will keep you in the right direction.  Nothing will keep a runner off-track or slow more than turning back to look at the runner coming behind him/her or glancing at the crowd to see how they are reacting to your performance. Comparing yourself with others or seeking their accolades will hinder you from running with effectiveness. Running with focus means not sweating the small stuffs. It means keeping your eyes on the big picture, and not becoming discouraged by setbacks. Above all running to win means remaining focus on the reason we run-To honour Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Keep fixing your eyes on Jesus. I like this bible verse so much, John 16:33-"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This life is full of troubles, but take heart it is well, because Jesus has overcome the world for us! how refreshing!!

Bible Study:

Hebrews 12:1-3:-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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

1 John 1:9:-If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

James 4:7:-Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

John 16:33:-I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world

Prayer

Make a list of all the things you need to lay aside, and prayerfully lift each area to God. If you have sinned, ask God for forgiveness, forgive yourself too, admit you've made a mistake and start again. If you  are carrying a negative emotional baggage let go of it prayerfully. If you're wasting time in any area of your life, make a quality decision to make changes and hold yourself accountable. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ enable you to run the race of life without any weight and web of sin.

Comments from you: What verses or insights stand out to you in this reading? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!

Shalom
Enim