Run!

     Last Sunday we had an excellent and very convicting sermon on Hebrews 12:1-3(Verse at bottom of post) about running the race of the Christian life. 

     It's not easy to follow Christ. It's not easy to run the race. To fight the fight. Because that's what living for Christ is, it's a continuous battle. It WILL take endurance. But though it's hard, though it will never be easy, though there will be pain and suffering... there is peace and joy!

     2 Corinthians 4:16, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

     Running the race for Christ means turning away from things of this world. Turning away from things that distract us. So many things in our lives become a distraction, even if they aren't necessarily bad things...but they take our focus off Christ and become a sin. We can't keep those distractions and serve Christ at the same time. (Matt 6:24, "No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.)

     We have to turn completely away from those distractions. COMPLETELY. And turn towards Christ. Seek him FULLY. Take Peter for example, when he walked out on water to meet Jesus. When he took his focus off of Jesus, he began to sink.

     We.can't.take.our.focus.off.Christ. We must run away from distractions and run towards Christ.

     The past month God has been continually teaching me this. When you follow Christ, 100%, it's...wow. Life changing. 

     We are called to fix our eyes on Christ. To consider Him carefully. To endure the pain.

     Focus on Christ. Run the race. Fight the fight.

     This video is really challenging/encouraging. Take the time and watch it.

     Then Run.

     Run.

     Run for the race for Christ.

Heb 12:1-3, "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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."