Running the Race...

I don't know about you, but for the past couple of weeks, my family has been glued to the TV, sitting on the edge of our seats, cheering for the United States in the Olympics. While I love watching Misty May and Kerri Walsh beast it up on the beach volleyball court, I enjoy watching all the events that a U.S. athlete is competing in!

One night I got to thinking, who are these athletes 'running' their race for? For their country, their family, the fame, pride? Whatever the reason may be, they are giving each event their all, only focusing on one thing...winning at the finish line!

So we may not be Olympians with a gold medal around our necks, but have you ever wondered who you are running the race of life for? Who you are living each day trying to praise and please?

Ponder the verse below:
"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, 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."
- Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

God calls us to run for him. To run with perseverance and fix our eyes on Jesus, his son, who died on the cross for our sins. Reading this verse makes me want to ever so passionately live and run for Christ, and Christ alone.

At all measures of the race, it is crucial we keep our eyes set on him. Things may cause us to slow down, stumble, or even fall, but just look toward the finish line, for the reward is great and worth the many hardships. No one ever said the race would be easy, for it takes a great level of endurance, patience, and focus. But with the power of the Holy Spirit, anything and everything can be accomplished, including finishing the race.

Sometimes we may want to give up, throw in the towel, or dropout. Just remember, God designed our races knowing what we can handle and according to his perfect will. Now the question turns to you...who are you gonna run the race for? Yourself or Christ? Only one of these choices can give you true happiness, and I will tell you this, it isn't yourself.

~Kel