romans10seventeen

The Race of Faith

 Hebrews 12:1-2

1 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, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What if I told you each day we have the POWER to turn our obligations into opportunities?

Do you feel like you’re going through a dry season?  Like things are happening all around you but you’re really not involved in them?  Are you just going through the motions?  If this sounds like you then I might have a suggestion.  First, let me just say, “You’re not alone!”  Especially during the Holiday’s.   We tend to get caught up in all the “to do’s” that we forget to really experience the life we’re living.  What’s that saying, ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.’?  Yes, I think that’s it.  We get so busy doing all the things that we forget to enjoy the journey.  And not just that, but we forget to recognize our many, many opportunities to be Christ to a hurting, broken world.  What if, instead of being annoyed at someone who seems cranky or rude, we take the time to thank God for the opportunity to show kindness.  It just came to me today…I recognized that while it is my nature to be kind even when others may not be, I often look at it as an obligation.  I believe that is where a root of bitterness can begin to grow.  But NOT TODAY!!!!  Today, I prayed about it.  I said, “Thank you Lord for the opportunity to show kindness even when someone else doesn’t.”  And let me just say, it changed my world!  The atmosphere around me changed.  I felt peace…I wasn’t angry, I was actually thankful.

Jesus sent His Holy Spirit to give us the POWER to make those kinds of choices…we can lay aside the weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us.  We can choose to look at all of our many, many opportunities to be Christ-like.