How will you Run the Race?

So the race is fastly appoaching!  I am beginning to fill it.  What have I done?  I have been doing lots of things

*  following the training program

* not giving up when my legs are hurting so bad

*  drinking water

* eating 3 complete meals

* eating somewhat healthy foods

*  wearing the right clothes for cold weather but now the beautiful sunshine weather (it's still chilly)

*  getting the weather update from my trusty weather man, My husband

*  watching the wind and trying to run just at the right time

I am seeing success - I am surviving - I am stronger - I am doing it

Longest run so far 4.2 miles - 45 minutes

So it just so happens that our worldview lesson is on the same topic

God has perfect timing by the way

So this is our verse

"I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus"  Phil 3:14

So the five strategies we have discussed in winning the race

1.  Keep your eyes on the prize

reminds me of the disciples in the boat - Matt 14: 22-31 

Peter took his eyes off of Jesus and he began to sink

We need to have "cross eyes"

2.  Believe that God keeps his promises

Is 41:13 "I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, Don't be afraid.  I will help you."

3.  Keep doing what you know to do

Training for anything worthwhile is never easy.  It's hard work.  God calls us to do hard.

1 thess 5:16 calls us to "be joyful always".  The joy of the Lord is our strength, we won't last long without it.

4.  Learn from your mistakes

God wants us to admit our mistakes, accept responsibility for our actions (not blaming others), confess sin and learn from mistakes 1 John 1:8-9

Phil 3:12-13  Paul says, "I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect.  But Christ has taken hold of me.  So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize ... I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead."

5.  Stay on Course and run with purpose

The road is narrow but the path leads to eternal life. 

I am

BLESSED

CHOSEN

ADOPTED

ACCEPTED

REDEEMED

FORGIVEN

I CHOSE TO FOLLOW CHRIST.

We are running this race of life towards a prize that will last forever (1 Cor 9:25)

I keep my eyes focused on God as I meet the challenge to run each day.  I'm praying, remembering and reciting verses. 

Thank you God for your wonderful lessons you provide just for me when I need them.  Amen

So what race are you running?

losing weight

the marriage race

raising children

letting God win your time and not the world

minstry of some sort

I would love to hear your race story - we can truly encourage others and pray for the strength to finish the race strong