Run With It!

28 Jan Run With It!

January 28, 2024

Run with it!

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. 1 Corinthians 9:24

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” (Heb. 12:1).

The church I attend has a running club, and the Chicago Marathon in the fall of the year is one of the main races they train for. But it is more than the physical run they focus on; they look at many things in the program, like the spiritual and mental endurance needed to finish the race. Life is a race, too. 

We started to entitle this message “I’m Done” because we get tired of the difficulties, hindrances, and snares, large and small, that pop up. You can be moving right along, and an unnecessary argument happens, employment issues, something happens that’s not in the budget, the car breaks down, someone you know is burdened with an illness or challenge in life that affects you because you love them, and you are in a relationship with them. We must pause to remember, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19. 

But “I’m done” means we won’t take it sitting down. We are going to keep running our race. James 1:12 ESV says, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”

We are going to take another look in the mirror and get a sanctified look at ourselves, seeing how fearfully and wonderfully we are made. Praise and thank the Lord Jesus and say, “Marvellous are thy works,” and that my soul knoweth right well. 

We are going to step out on faith. Charles S. Price said, “Remember that Faith acts, but the act comes from the faith, rather than faith from the act”. You will not fail, so keep running and mounting up victories. 

Take those pauses to drink from the wells that never run dry, meaning every resource needed and required is at your disposal for the asking. When you are tired, rest; when you are happy, rejoice. Celebrate your life and the victories in it. Dance like King David danced when the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem. Give too. Not only did he dance, but he gave everyone there a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins before they went home. 2 Samuel 6:19

Hey, I know it’s the beginning of the year, but I just want us all to rock steady as we run our life race. Study your Bible more and get/stay aware of what’s happening in the world around us. Jesus said, “I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.” Revelation 3:11. Run with it! 💕

Theresa Woodard