How's Your Race Going?

Did you not know that you are running a race? We’ve been discussing the spiritual marathon we are running for a few weeks now during worship. The writer to Hebrews says, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us…” (Heb. 12:1b NLT). Paul told the Corinthians in his first letter, “Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs…so run to win…” So let me ask again, “How’s your race going?” Someone once said you may be on the right track, but you’ll get run over if you just stand there! God wants you in the race – not on the sidelines!

Our unique spiritual journeys take on a variety of turns and unexpected occurrences. Are you prepared when those come your way? We’ve noted that runners endure many obstacles and hindrances along the raceway. Some of those can be avoided, some cannot. Runners can avoid “stress fractures” if they wear the proper shoes. They can prevent them by appropriate conditioning. In the same way, we can avoid and prevent “Spiritual Stress Fractures” along our race.

During the Sundays this September, we will demonstrate how we can battle the “Stress Fractures” of Jealousy, Fear, Anger, and Disappointment. If you missed the previous sermons on Bitterness, Worry, and Temptation, they are available on CD by contacting the church office. You or someone you know might benefit from learning how to overcome Spiritual Stress Fractures, so they can continue running the race God has set before them. Why is running so important? When some of the disciples heard that Jesus had been raised from the dead, they ran to the tomb (John 20:4; Luke 24:12). The women who had seen the angel telling them that Jesus had risen, ran to report it to the disciples (Matthew 28:8). Philip ran to the chariot to witness to the Ethiopian in Acts 8:30. When the Gerasanene demoniac saw Jesus from a distance, he ran to worship him (Mark 5:6). A man ran up to Jesus to ask Him what he could do to inherit eternal life (Mark 10:17). Most importantly, God runs to us! How so? When the prodigal son was returning to his father after detouring from his race, his father saw him from a distance and ran to embrace him and welcome him back (Luke 15:20). The writer to the Hebrews says, lay aside all the distractions and run the race with endurance.

So, how’s your race going?

- Pastor Cliff