Sometimes the Easiest or Shortest Path is not the Best One.
I enjoy running, so from time to time you will find that I use analogies to running for life lessons. My point with this post is that we learn and grow through the struggles that we face. It is human nature to want to travel the shortest and easiest path that we can. Just as when I run, I look to take the "inside" corner. When there are many runners near me, I will try to position myself to get inside of them on an upcoming turn. This saves wasted steps and time. I also try to break free from "packs". It's difficult to set your own pace when you are "trapped" in a pack of runners. But in life we need to have challenges and difficulties. They strengthen us and teach us how much we can endure. Our faith becomes much stronger in the face of opposition and trials.
Hebrews 12:1-3
New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, 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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Ultimately, Jesus is our example to follow. He certainly did not take the easy road. He walked the "narrow" path, meaning that he had a fixed vision of where He was going and didn't stray to the left or to the right or lose sight of His destination, even when facing death for crimes that He did not commit. Perseverance is the key. Many start the race, but only a handful see it through to completion.
Acts 20:24
New International Version (NIV)
24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
So my question is, do you know what your calling is? What race are you running? If you know what God is calling you to, then by all means set your sight and focus on that and run the race that He has put before you. We are not all Evangelists. We are not all teachers. But we all have a calling. Please ask yourself what your calling is and what you should be doing with it. There is great joy in finishing the race set before you. A great medal awaits you at the finish. Greater than any human race will ever give you. I have many race medals, but none will compare with what I will feel when Jesus sees me and says to me as in this scripture:
Matthew 25:20-22
So my question is, do you know what your calling is? What race are you running? If you know what God is calling you to, then by all means set your sight and focus on that and run the race that He has put before you. We are not all Evangelists. We are not all teachers. But we all have a calling. Please ask yourself what your calling is and what you should be doing with it. There is great joy in finishing the race set before you. A great medal awaits you at the finish. Greater than any human race will ever give you. I have many race medals, but none will compare with what I will feel when Jesus sees me and says to me as in this scripture:
Matthew 25:20-22
New International Version (NIV)
20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
All Bible references are copied from the website:http://www.biblegateway.com/
From time to time I will quote messages from: http://www.klove.com/. Feel free to visit their website. They have a lot of helpful info there as well as daily verses and a link to listen to Christian music online.
21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’
All Bible references are copied from the website:http://www.biblegateway.com/
From time to time I will quote messages from: http://www.klove.com/. Feel free to visit their website. They have a lot of helpful info there as well as daily verses and a link to listen to Christian music online.
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