05/20/2020
When we are running the race of faith how much effort and enthusiasm do we apply to it? Though we are faithful, some of us will sit like spectators and watch the gifted athletes run, some will strive only for pleasure and never expect to win the race, a few will be running so that others will call them faithful, and then there are those who run as though against themselves, only desiring to do a bit better than the last time they entered the field, but Paul tells us that anything other than running to win the prize of eternal life, and God’s pleasure, is not enough. So how are we running our race of faith, and what is our event?
“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 ESV
When it comes to exerting ourselves in the race of faith we should always give it our best, and then some, but we are all gifted to compete in different ways. Some of us will walk hundreds of miles while on a pilgrimage, seeking God in every step; some will stroll each day as they enjoy the quiet companionship of Jesus and seeking wisdom; there are those who will pace themselves for the distance, and strategize, saving their best effort for the last lap of their long race in an effort to cross the finish line first; and there are those who run relays, and feed on the joint efforts of many to successfully run their race towards God’s table, but there will always be the sprinters who run swiftly alone without taking so much as a breath during their race, and stretching out their chests in an effort to touch the tape of victory before all the others. God gives us each a certain way to walk or run with Him, and each serves a purpose, but they all require our absolute best effort, and being an observer never wins a prize of any type... it only leaves us anxious, and filled with the adrenaline we have stolen from those who actually participate.
“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.”
Proverbs 14:23 ESV
“The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.”
Proverbs 13:4 ESV
Satan looks to cripple every runner, and to destroy the resolve of all those who walk the pilgrim’s way. He desires us to trip over self-doubt, and to think that the Lord is not beside us, or that Jesus is not cheering us on from the finish line. The dark one would have us believe that to walk, run, or sprint, in faith is futile, and only a false belief which is all about ourselves. He would have us come up lame before reaching the end of our race, or to sit down on a park bench before our stroll with Jesus is completed, and His wisdom can be imparted to us.
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Ephesians 6:11 ESV
So how are we to run, and walk, in our faith? Well, we are to chase after faith just as we love God... with everything we have. We should walk even though our legs hurt, and blisters cover our feet, and run on, even when our lungs are burning and our heart is pounding in our chest. We use our love for God as the model for our race of faith... given completely, and with all we have.
“And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38 ESV
So how are we running in our faith today? How are our walks with the Lord going? Are they satisfying our souls? Are our races run, and walks taken, for the glory of God? And, in whatever way we have been called to accompany or serve God, do we see our efforts as complete, and ourselves as champions in faith?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for each race of faith I enter on your behalf, each pilgrimage you call me to take with you, and every walk we go on together. Strengthen me Holy Father so that I can give you my finest effort as I walk and run in your will. Let my faith be like the love I have for you... complete, and given with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Teach me Jesus to expend every breath of my faithful life in glorifying our Father... even unto death, and let all the glory in every step I take be His. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you my God who awaits me at the end of every day, and accompanies me through all the races, adventures, and journeys in my life. I praise you during our quiet strolls, and my heart beats hard for you in every race of faith. Strong is your right arm, and perfect is the armor of your Word that shields me, lifts me over every snare, and strengthens my faith in all I do. I worship you now as I continue on towards eternity with you, and I long with every ounce of my faith to enter your house, and dine at your table forevermore. Encourage me Father, and call out to me as I compete; cheering me on as I place all my effort into the quest for faith you are nurturing within me!
“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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV
Rich Forbes