RACE

…let us run with endurance the RACE that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus…– Hebrews 12: 1b-2a

Life is likened to a RACE in which various athletes compete, run, and strive to win: “Therefore we also since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb.12:1). The Christiaan Life is particularly portrayed as a race: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it (1Cor.9:24). Beloved, there is a Race set before you. It is not optional. It is a race that you must run; that you must run to obtain. You need Grace to run life’s race effectively and successfully. 

Life is a RACE in time and eternity: deeds in Time determine Rewards in Eternity: “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Rom.14:12). Life is actually an eternal race against time. The words of Apostle Paul consistently echoed the intensity and urgency that should mark the believer’s life: “This one thing I do”; “I press toward the mark”; “I am in a strait”, “I am ready”;…his aspirations: “That I might finish my course and the ministry I have received”; “That I might win Christ”; “ That I might know Him”  What drove Paul was a deep sense of urgency, a keen appreciation of the present and passing opportunity. Time does not stand still; this moment never returns. The past teaches us, the future beckons us, the present challenges us to face a situation, purpose, resolve, step-out or act!

By the supernatural Supply of Grace you can run the Race that is set before you:

• Perfectly (fully) – spirit, soul, and body: with all your heart, mind and strength – your spirit, soul, and body (1The. 5:23);

• Purposefully and pointedly with vision and focus: “Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air” (1 Cor. 9:26).

• Passionately:  “And Jesus said to him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62)…Remember Lot's wife (Luke 17:32). Paul said: “But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Cor. 16:8-9).
• Patiently and Persistently: “That you be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Heb. 6:12). Elisha followed persistently until he received double portion (2Ks 2: 1-10).

You need God’s Grace for the Race of Life. Running requires discipline, endurance, focus, skill, strength, and staying power, all of which are products of Grace. The wise man said: “I returned and saw under the sun that – The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favour to men of skill; but time and chance happen to them all” (Eccl.9:11). Grace – not chance or luck – is the answer to the puzzle. These are my prayers for you: You will not run in vain. You will neither falter nor fall. Your feet will not slide into defeat. You will not derail from course. You will enjoy the abundance of grace from the beginning to the end of life’s race, in Jesus name!