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- Apr 25, 2006
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The cost of being blessed (1)
''...RUN TO WIN.'' 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24
If you've ever had to do 'cross country' running at school you will know that you can't just sprint as fast as you can for three miles. You need to pace yourself so when you finally reach the last 100m you can leg it to the finishing line, giving your PE teacher a cheery wave as you go (well maybe not!) Paul says, '...I'm running hard for the finish line...giving it everything I've got...I'm not going to get caught...telling everyone else...then missing out myself' (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 TM).
Are you a Spiritual long distance runner? Have you set yourself a good pace? Or maybe things are hard and you are just walking slowly. Don't give up! For spiritual long-distance runners, quitting just isn't an option. Even if they have stumbles and disappointments along the way they know they'd never be satisfied standing on the pavements watching, they have to be out there running the race.
So what's the secret to staying power? Paul said, '...Jesus...finished this race...Because he never lost sight of where he was headed...he could put up with anything...' (Hebrews 12:2 TM). Often we give up because all we can see is the how much it is hurting NOW!
Ask any marathon runner they will tell you it hurts! You WANT to stop! But you have to keep your mind on the future, on finishing the race. It's the same for us. God can bring good even out of the painful times. Sometimes we need to have hard and painful times to strengthen our character. That way when greater blessings (and responsibilities) come, we won't crack. So don't give up, it's worth it!
''...RUN TO WIN.'' 1 CORINTHIANS 9:24
If you've ever had to do 'cross country' running at school you will know that you can't just sprint as fast as you can for three miles. You need to pace yourself so when you finally reach the last 100m you can leg it to the finishing line, giving your PE teacher a cheery wave as you go (well maybe not!) Paul says, '...I'm running hard for the finish line...giving it everything I've got...I'm not going to get caught...telling everyone else...then missing out myself' (1 Corinthians 9:26-27 TM).
Are you a Spiritual long distance runner? Have you set yourself a good pace? Or maybe things are hard and you are just walking slowly. Don't give up! For spiritual long-distance runners, quitting just isn't an option. Even if they have stumbles and disappointments along the way they know they'd never be satisfied standing on the pavements watching, they have to be out there running the race.
So what's the secret to staying power? Paul said, '...Jesus...finished this race...Because he never lost sight of where he was headed...he could put up with anything...' (Hebrews 12:2 TM). Often we give up because all we can see is the how much it is hurting NOW!
Ask any marathon runner they will tell you it hurts! You WANT to stop! But you have to keep your mind on the future, on finishing the race. It's the same for us. God can bring good even out of the painful times. Sometimes we need to have hard and painful times to strengthen our character. That way when greater blessings (and responsibilities) come, we won't crack. So don't give up, it's worth it!
I needed to read this today. Very important keeping this in mind and stay focused. We are overcomers in Jesus.
