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“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the |
So often, this verse is used and peole compare it to running in a race. I think that’s why I am so scared of it!! I HATE running with all that I am, and just thinking abot running a marathon makes me want to break out in a sweat! Oh, I would start out okay. I would even run for the frst 5 minutes with no major complaints. but after that, I am the first to call it a workout, take a shower, and continue n the day that I had planned. I’m the runner who doesn’t just take the beverages offered at the refreshment table and continue on my way, but I would stop and enjoy them before moving on. I am much more of a.. dancer… or.. thumb wrestler. Somtimes, though, i think if I had a trainer, i would enjoy running maybe a little more, and I would become better at the sport.
How easily I can relate this to my walk with Christ! I often strive to get started, to change a certain aspect in my life, to surrender something to him, or to keep my focus on him alone. however, after a while, I get distracted at the refreshment table, and before I know it, forget to get back in the race. I so often want to do something more this or that, and I avoid the things that God is calling me towards sometimes to do something I perceive as better… like, thumb wrestling. but what GOOD does thumb wrestling ever get you? it doesn’t get you more fit, and it requires no skill. the happiness of winnign doesn’t even last very long. the same is true of the things i desire instead of God. they are of no good, or, they are good in their place, but not in the way I am using them.
Then only difference is that when I am running the race to become more like Christ, I have the best trainer. I have Jesus to look up to, God suplying my talents and abilities, and the holy spirit running right along side of me. Running a physical race and a spiritual race are both tiring, and we do need refreshment. But as I turn to get a drink of the living water, I am truley refreshed. I can rest in his love and his truth. the coolest thing is that i have other peolpe running too, but I don’t have to race to win against them, they are there to encourage me, to help me stay strong while running, to provide me with an extra water bottle when mine is empty and to keep me on the right path. when I stop at the refreshment table, and am tempted to take a break and chase the butterfly’s they help me to get back on the path and see all the beauty that is there. not just buterflys, but things we never imagined. because although the path is hard, it is flled with blessings and beauty beyond our imigination.
So keep runnig hard, my brothers and sisters. and let me know if your water bottle is empty. i am excited to see you at the finish line where we can say “I fought the good fight, and have finished the race”
PS. 57.2% financially!!
One of my favorite passages in the Bible. Thanks for sharing. I will be praying that you do run the race with excellance and continue to run the race long past the day you come off the field.
WOW! Thanks for sharing. I don’t think I will look at the waterbottle I carry with me the same again. I’m praying for you. GB.
a great passage and like always you showed me a greatr new way of viewing it!!! thanks darling!