1 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. Hebrews12:1
The writer to the Hebrews identified the following obstacles to perseverance:
- we lack clarity and vision on the race
- we are encumbered or entangled as we try to run.
Yesterday we considered the clarity of the heritage of faith that has been passed on to us. We are surrounded by witnesses who bear testimony to the faithfulness of God. In the race of life there is a chain of historical events that lead to the faith being passed on as a baton to you and me.
But more than clarity, we need vision. There is a race marked out for us. Our faith is not a historical backward-looking faith, but a faith that is passed from the past into the present and takes us into the future. Many people do not persevere because they don't have an idea of how God wants to use them in the future!
There is a race for us to run, a purpose for us to fulfill. Some will run a sprint, others a marathon, others will run an obstacle course and others will have hurdles to leap over.
But know this: God has chosen a race that is suited to your gifts, talents and circumstances. He has equipped you for the piece of road you are to run and He has full confidence in you and will empower you for the task by giving you the Holy Spirit.
You may ask: "But what is my race?" God will make this clear to you if you are open and receptive. Here are some guidelines:
1. Make sure you are willing to go where God leads. Busy-ness is an enemy here.
2. If you think you have an idea of what God wants you to do, start taking small steps in that direction. If it is God's direction, you will feel it.
3. Check with spiritually mature people who know you well.
4. Don't be discouraged by opposition.
5. Keep listening to the promptings of God in the quiet of your soul.
Running God's race instead of the rat race is the most exciting and fulfilling thing you can do with your life - so get your vision clear!
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
