Devotional

Running the Race

Ready 

"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." -Hebrews 12:1 

Set 

To persevere means to persist in an undertaking in spite of opposition or discouragement.

The 2007 Boston Marathon was run under adverse weather conditions. The temperature was in the low 40's, and the wind blew at 30 miles per hour blowing gusts that reached up to 50. To run in those conditions takes more than training, more than carbo-loading, more than simply desiring to finish the race. That day, it took a will to persist in spite of opposition and extreme discouragement.

Hebrews 12:1 gives a command to develop perseverance. Satan is a formidable enemy. To overcome him takes more than training, more than doing the right thing, more than desiring to be good. To defeat our spiritual enemy takes perseverance. How do you develop perseverance? Second Peter 1:5-8 tells us, "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our goal is to be able to say as the Apostle Paul did, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (1 Timothy 4:7). Let us persevere in order that we might finish the race in spite of overwhelming odds. It will be worth it!

Go 
  1. Are you growing spiritually and adding to your faith the qualities that will help you run the race?
  2. Are you willing to be the Christian God wants you to be in spite of overwhelming odds and spiritual oppostion?
  3. Establish a spiritual training plan that will help you add to your faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. 
Workout 
  • Romans 5:1-5
  • Hebrews 12:1-3
  • James 1:2-4
Bible Reference: 
James 1
Ministry