"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the the throne of God." Heb 12:1-2Running has never been my thing. I can begin with full intention of running all the way to the finish line. About half-way (sometimes even before) my body begins to cry out--"stop, stop. What do you think you're doing! You're not meant to run. You're out of breath and your muscles are hurting. What about those knees? Better watch out, you're going to fall!"
My race to eternity is the same way. I run toward the finish line trying to stay on course, trying to jump over or go around the obstacles I find on my path. Sometime those obstacles are there because of my own stubborn will or my disobedience. I desire to endure instead of listening to the voices of those who discourage me and those within me that say just do what you want to do.
Temptations try to draw me from the path to places that appear to be either a short cut to the end or a place of rest neither of which are part of the race or the proper path that God has prepared for me. When I focus on the path or on the next step I often miss the blessings of the beauty around me.
Luckily, I have a personal trainer-a guide by the name of Jesus. He is not only my guide but my destination as well. I must fix my eyes upon Him. He will bring me to the finish line to guide me to heaven where my race will be over. I will cross the finish line and I will receive the prize of eternal life.
