“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 KJV)
This time of the year — the first few days of the year — can be daunting, even overwhelming. We want to assess our lives and set new goals or renew old ones. Yet the process can be daunting to say the least, even overwhelming to the point of inaction.
It may be that we need to carefully think through our lives and consider the determination of athletes. They set a goal, then decide when they are going to achieve it. Next, they along with their coach consider what are hindrances to their achievement. Finally, they begin training themselves to “lay aside” those weights and entanglements.
Perhaps some “self-confronting questions” might get us rolling. George A. Ford suggests the following: “Where do I want to be at any given time? How am I going to get there? What do I have to do to get myself from where I am to where I want to be? What’s the first, small step I can take to get moving?”
These questions are good considerations whether we pursue a ministry project or want to grow spiritually. If we truly want to achieve our best for God — his purpose — these questions are good guides to get us started and keep us focused. We just need to be certain that our goals (new or old) are in line with where we believe God is leading us (i.e., where we want to go). We want to be certain that the end of the race is indeed worthy of our energies before we start running.
Perhaps we should consider that the Apostle’s challenge goes beyond the norm. Address yourself with his exhortation and you can not sit idly talking about growing in the Lord or growing a great ministry for God. There is a good goal for us all: In 2011 run the race.
Dear father, thank your for helping us to overcome the obstacles in our race. Empower us with greater determination to achieve your purpose. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous and run the race,