The Race

It feels as though it has been a very long time since I sat down to write.  In the past couple of weeks, we’ve had a funeral, some teenage rebellion, a birthday party, gallons and gallons of rain, another birthday, Mother’s Day, swimming lessons, Daddy left for sea and the cherry on top was a trip to the ER with one of the boys.

It can (and has been) difficult to move forward through days that seem determined to stop me in my tracks.  Every step reveals a new challenge and saps the strength and energy that were already being drawn from the reserves.

Constant badgering, bickering and demands on my frail patience have worn me down to a place where the light at the end of the tunnel glows oh so dimly!

When I get to this place and feel that there is no recovery, I remember the apostle Paul and his encouragement for perseverance and endurance. 

1 Corinthians 9:24
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

I’ve yet to see a runner who didn’t look awful as they approached the end of their race.  Out of breath, sweaty and smelly, still they were giving 110% to reach their goal.  On harried days when it seems that I don’t even have time to brush my teeth I need to remember what the goal is and press on.  This house full of children is my responsibility and their character and morals are being shaped by how I deal with them.  Their love for the Lord will be directly influenced by my love for them.

The other day, someone told me that they had given what was necessary to their children.  They had put in their time and now were entitled to do what they wanted to do.  My heart broke as I heard those words.  Part of the grief was due to the fact that all too often my actions reveal the same attitude.  I know that it is selfishness and pride that inspire that reasoning and my motivation to do better was rekindled.  The philosophy of ‘me, me, me’ leaves little room to love and obey the Lord.

Hebrews 12:1
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,

Every action, every word I speak are reflections of who the Lord is in my life.  I need to remember and live the priority I give Him.  By giving God His proper place in my life, others will be able to see the blessings He bestows and His joy will radiate from me.

Acts 20:24
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.

The Great Comission tells us that we are to tell all people of God’s love – even when things aren’t going the way I want them to – even when things are hard – I still need to show God’s love to those around me.  My journey begins right here at home.  Starting with my family moving out to my neighbours, community and church and friends, my life should be a testimony of the Gospel – love!

Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

It is easy to become distracted by the world and the things around me.  I have found that being accountable to someone else – someone who will be honest with me and give me the feedback that I need to know if I am on track – really helps when I’m discouraged or floundering for guidance.  Constantly bringing my cares and the direction of my path before the Lord and my accountability partner help me to refocus and  continue moving forward.

When this life is done and I stand in glory before my Lord, I want to be able to say,

2 Timothy 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Similar Posts