Winning Your Race

WINNING YOUR RACE

MAINTAINING THE TIME, ENERGY, AND PASSION TO FULFILL YOUR PURPOSE

   Isolation is a powerful force, whether it is perceived or real. So many of us feel isolated no matter how many people we live or work with. It is important to understand that often it is in this place of isolation that we are our weakest. When we are in isolation fear can set in, strong resolves can crumble, and destinies can be lost. Recall how Elijah faced 450 prophets of Baal alone, and by the word of his mouth saw God respond with fire to consume his sacrifice. It was this same Elijah who stood by faith at the end of three years of drought and when he prayed saw God make a cloudless sky rain. On top of that he then physically outran the king’s chariot. This was the Elijah who was recorded in Malachi as coming to prepare the way for Jesus, who the disciples spoke of with reference to John the Baptist.

    Yet, when Elijah found himself exhausted and entertained the thought that he alone remained of all the prophets; this is when he lost his way, and forfeited his destiny to fear. His perception of his own isolation opened the door to fear. In 1 Kings 19:10 Elijah says to God, “I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.

    Realize we are never, never, never alone. Not only has Jesus said, in Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always”, but in Hebrews 12:1 we are reminded that, “ . . .we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses. . .” therefore, “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.”

   There is a race marked out for you and I, unique to each of us, that we were made to run and win. But like Elijah we can be hindered by fear, or by sin. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:2-3)

   Your race counts. Remember, the enemy of your soul takes advantage of you when you are tired, discouraged, or isolated. Wherever you are, remember you are not alone. Keep focused, get back in the race, re-engage yourself in fellowship, open your heart to God’s word, and pray, and just keep going, don’t grow weary and lose heart. Perseverance always outlasts persecution.

We’re here for you too!

With God, all things are possible.
Dr. Ben Lerner