Run with Perseverance

Had visitors last night so I wasn't able to put in the positive thoughts I had. Received this timely message this morning and have taken the liberty to reproduce it . Be encourage and blessed! Steve writes meaningful stuff and if you wish to subscribe for his daily devotion please sign up here.

Our life can be a long and sometimes difficult race. We often grow weary and are in great need of rest. But this race is not like any we have ever run before. We do not compete against the other runners, nor do we all even run the same course. We run the race marked out by our Heavenly Father; and yet, we ALL must strive toward the same finish line.

Hebrews 12:1-2
"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."

The dictionary defines perseverance as: "to persist in spite of opposition or discouragement." The writer of Hebrews is telling us to run the race - and to keep on running - in spite of the opposition or discouragement we're sure to face. We are to rid our life of the things that would slow us down and continue on...with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus.

The weeds along our path often try to wrap around our legs and pull us down. This "sin that so easily entangles" can be difficult to even recognize. We may be running a clear path without even a hint of weeds. Everything has been going well and we feel immune to the temptations of this world. But without our eyes fixed on Jesus - without our heart fully trusting Him for every step - our path can become covered before we even realize there's a problem.

We must maintain an acute awareness of the condition of our path. Weeds are not acceptable and must be cleared away (the word of God and prayer is an excellent weed killer!). There are no circumstances where weeds add beneficial "flavor" or excitement - they ALWAYS hinder, steal and destroy!!

Our race is a long marathon, not a quick sprint. In order to persevere, we must prepare for many hills and valleys (and weeds) along the way. We must have a burning desire to one day boldly say: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7). Jesus endured the cross (finished the race) because of "the joy set before Him" (Hebrews 12:2); and as we keep our eyes on Jesus as our eternal joy: "you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12:3).

We must not stop! No matter what this day may bring, we must persist with our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus until we hear Him say: "Well done, good and faithful servant....Come and share your Master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23). Let's stay in the race! Let's run with the sole purpose of bringing Him glory and honor in ALL we do. Our race can be filled with joy and peace, but we must commit to a life of absolute trust and run with perseverance!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries