Wednesday, March 20, 2013

7 Weeks

...let us run with patience...
Hebrews 12:1

At one time, this phrase seemed contradictory to me. Since I know that God's Word is flawless, I had to study.

Run
to go faster than a walk; specifically: to go steadily by springing steps so that both feet leave the ground for an instant in each step

Patient
1. bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
2. manifesting forbearance under provocation or strain
3. not hasty or impetuous
4. steadfast despite opposition


The definition for patient that says "not hasty" is how I got confused. Running is fast. Patient is slow. But as we can see, patient is defined in other ways - other ways that extraordinarily compliment running a race.

Your race is a marathon. It is long. It is arduous. It is life on earth.
It requires patience, bearing pains and trials calmly and without complaint, forbearing when provoked or strained and steadfastness in the face of opposition.

A marathon runner's body may feel like quitting after 13 miles, but his patience allows him to remain steadfast. He has a goal and a prize to capture.

You may feel like quitting, but allow patience, which is the fruit of the spirit, to help you stay devoted to and focused on the prize that awaits you at the end - Eternal Life with Christ!

As I ran in the rain the other day, the strong wind accompanying it made me think about turning around many times. Those thoughts were erased by the thought of me finishing what I had started and the feeling of tackling my goal despite opposition. I pushed on. Midway through my run, the rain subsided and eventually stopped. The winds became an inviting breeze. And, like a cherry on top, the sun started to shine.

Keep running your race. When the trials come, and they will, focus on your stride and glide through them. When people or situations try to put you on a different path, remain steady and keep to the path that God laid out for you. It may be pouring now and the wind is slowing you down while you're body is screaming STOP. Don't Quit. Slow down, but don't quit. Be patient and wait for the Sun to shine. You have a prize to claim and there are people waiting to see you cross the finish line!