To Run With A Race Plan

For me, running has been a parallel to my Christian walk. Some runners jump out of the gate with enthusiasm and train hard for a short season. Some burn out before they even attain their goal of reaching race day, while others arrive on race day, run, then are over it. Then there are those of us who recognize the need for consistency over time. Accountability and a buddy help too. When discipline and decision enter in, and training is turned into a lifestyle, running becomes a part of who you are, rather than something you once did.

 

Our faith walk is the same way. Some eagerly join Bible studies or participate in activities, yet until there is a commitment to make Christ a priority, time with Him will go by the wayside. When a choice is made to create the intentional time to be with Him, to spend time in His word and in prayer, it becomes a part of who we are, and our day will no longer feel complete without it.

 

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. – (1 Corinthians 9:25)

 

The race we are running is a marathon, not a quick sprint. This race requires purpose and discipline. If we are to gain the crown that lasts forever, we must seek and follow the Lord’s race plan, rather than our own. His plan requires hard work, self-discipline and stamina. However, each of these things He will provide as we are dependent on Him. May we seek the Lord daily and depend on Him as we each run the race He has called us to run.

 

Let’s not grow weary,

in this race we run;

it takes a lifetime,

before it is done.

Training is needed,

to finish our race;

time spent with the Lord,

as we seek His face.

We seek not the crown,

that soon fades away;

but rather the one,

for heaven’s display.

Don’t go it alone,

instead, invest well;

united bodies,

together impel.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us not to a sprint, but to a lifelong race. Thank You that You do not just say “GO” and expect us to figure it all out as we go, but rather You have given us all that we need to run well with endurance, the race You are calling us to run. Thank You for Your word, Your Spirit, and the body of believers that surround us. Forgive us for trying to run ahead of You, or for falling behind, for fear of what lies ahead. Teach us to trust You more, so that we will run our race – that which You have called us to – individually. Lead us to love others well, just as You so wonderfully love each of us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You as they recognize just how faithful You are in each of our lives. Be glorified O God, as we run our race with endurance, trusting You and Your race plan for our every step of the way. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence. – Acts 2:28

The Road Less Traveled

There are times in our Christian walk when the road less traveled is not the easy path to take. In fact, there are times when following Christ is downright difficult. However, any difficulty that we endure now, is well worth our eternal gain. Jesus is our ultimate example as to how we are to handle the hard. On the night on which He was betrayed and was praying in the garden, the following was His prayer. “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for You. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.” – (Mark 14:36)

 

Jesus asked that His Father take the trial before Him away, yet if not, He was willing and ready to obey. Christ’s obedience on that very night, is the reason that we are able to traverse the more difficult road to which we may be called. His Spirit, which dwells in us, empowers us to continue, even over the seemingly impossible terrain. God is not offended if we ask Him to take away the difficulties, yet we too, must be willing to continue pressing in, even if our trials remain. He is good, and His love remains forever. Christ uses our obstacles to demonstrate His strength. May His power be clearly present in the places where pressures are the greatest.

 

The long, winding road,

that has not been paved;

where we’re asked to walk,

so truth may be raised.

Let every step,

be made with intent;

to honor the One,

by Whom we are sent.

Help us to endure,

the trials that come;

not in our own strength,

but through Christ the Son.

Let all those who see,

what we may endure;

know it’s Christ in us,

that makes us secure.

What’s impossible,

for humanity;

is “yes” and “amen”,

through Jesus in me.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son.  Jesus, thank You for enduring so much suffering for the sake of our sins. Thank You for taking our place, so that we could have life in You. Thank You that what is impossible for us, is possible through Your strength. Forgive us for seeking to serve our own will, rather than Yours. Help us to trust You more so that we too, may pray, not what I will, but what You will. Teach us to love others as You so generously love each of us. May many come into a saving knowledge of Who You are, as they see Your power at work in our lives. Be glorified, O God, as we seek to follow Your will for our lives. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. – James 5:11