Have You Started Running?

If you have chosen to be a believer of Jesus Christ and have accepted Him, you are running the race of life. If you have ever ran a long distance or ran in general, you know there are certain circumstances under which you can't run. These circumstances include: extra weight or baggage

being tied up

not having endurance

without a reason

1.)Running the race of life requires getting rid of baggage. Everyone has extra weight on them, some chose to carry that weight, some can't bear to get rid of it, they are running in place with their baggage. Baggage in this case is sin, what is your baggage? How does your baggage support your walk with Christ? (Deuteronomy 5:8-9) "You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind, or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods." Ask yourself if God is first priority in your life? If not what baggage is weighing you down? How is it being used for good? Does your baggage consume your time, heart, mind, and conversation?

2.)You can't run if your feet are tied together. Sin is something that entangles us, sin has the same affect of running with chains on your ankles. Sin is something we all deal and struggle with, get a running partner! Its not fun to run a marathon alone and running the race of life alone will be difficult for even the strongest of the strong. (Matthew 18:15) "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Have an accountability partner surround yourself with likeminded people with the same goals, better yourselves. A friend who doesn't hold you accountable is a running partner who doesn't tell you that your shoes are untied, ultimately they slow you down when others could be lifting you up. Those around you can lift you up and God can lift the chains off of you. (Romans 3:23-24) "or all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." God has the power to cut through the toughest, shameful, and sin laced chains. (Hebrews 4:12) "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."

3.)Running requires endurance just as a life embodying Christ does. Endurance by definition is "the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way." Endurance is not just needed for the moments in our lives that are pleasant, endurance is needed most in the challenging times where we often want to give in. Jesus had endurance, He looked at death and said you have nothing on me I have something better on the other side. We can take comfort in who Jesus is, what He has done for us. who He says we are, and the plans He has laid out for us. Having God on your side is better in this race than having the best tennis shoes at your feet. Its not just a race its a sprint, this doesn't mean rush into your faith but rather why wait? If someone has the tools, the help, and the ability why are they going to let people pass by them in life or in a race?

4.) Why are we running? I remember in fifth grade everyone despised running the mile it was a day we all dreaded. In the beginning I had energy, I was excited, I was ready, I thought I could endure, towards the end... not so much. When I wanted to give up in my head I repeated over and over again just do it for Champ- Champ was my dog at the time (a beagle) he was always full of energy and wherever I went he would go, if I ran he ran. It was a race, I wanted to improve my running for my dog. Now as a christian we should run with God in focus. Why? Because God is the author and protector of our faith. (Philippians 1:6) "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." Jesus endured the cross because He knew of the joy on the other side. Just like how we think criminals are the lowest of the low, that's how people viewed Jesus, despite this Jesus wasn't ashamed He kept God in focus and was obedient, "its not my will its yours." Jesus was seated at the right hand of God, His lowest moment gave us salvation through His actions we are reconciled from our sin because of Jesus.

I would like to end with if your not running maybe its time you consider starting, grab a partner and endure what life will throw at you.

"Hebrews 12:1-3 New International Version (NIV)

12 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, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow wearyand lose heart."

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