Running – The RACE of FAITH - THE RACE, THE PRIZE, the adversary

…let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;… Hebrews 12:1, 2

           

Praise JESUS

The Race

In the above verse the Holy Bible tells us, as a believer of JESUS CHRIST, we have a race to run. The race mentioned in the Hebrews 12:1, 2 is the Race of Faith. This race is all about endurance and being in right track.

The above verse also says, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;…”. We have an inspiration to follow, our LORD JESUS CHRIST, “…for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:2, Our LORD JESUS CHRIST ran the race enduring the Cross, despising the shame …

Some times we may be weary and faint during the race, feeling like loosing our strength and energy. During that time, it is necessary to wait upon the LORD. The term waiting could be watching in prayer, we can fast and Pray during that time, “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; …” Isaiah 40:31, also we can get strength by meditating on how our LORD JESUS CHRIST ran the race, “For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” Hebrews 12:3

We no need to rush in the race. Some time we may have to go inch by inch, just press forward. Apostle Paul mentioned he was pressing forward “I press toward the mark …” Philippians 3:14. This verse tells us that we no need to hurry because we don’t have any contender in our track for the prize. We are the only contender and the prize is assured if we strict to our lane and complete our course of race. Paul says, “… I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7

We may face so many trials and tribulations in our life during the race, all we need to do is, endure the sufferings, hardness of the life like the good solder of JESUS CHRIST (2 Timothy 2:3) and reach the finishing line by keeping our faith on our LORD JESUS CHRIST, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” Matthew 24:13.

As Paul said, one day, we should also say, “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith”, Hallelujah.

The Prize

We are running the race and there should be some prize for it. I believe, not one prize, but there are many prizes for those who finish the race successfully. In this world they give only one prize for those who win the race, but our LORD JESUS CHRIST gives many prizes generously.

Apostle Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14, also, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:8. The prize is Crown of Righteousness. Salvation is a kind of prize, our LORD JESUS CHRIST said, “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” Matthew 24:13. In the book of Revelation, we could see many prizes laid up for us when we finish the race.

It is encouraging me to continually run this race and endure the sufferings of this world and it is worth to loose anything in this world to gain the prizes stored in heaven. Praise JESUS.

the adversary:

Though we don’t have any contender in our track for the prize, we have an adversary who is constantly trying to get us out of the track. Our LORD JESUS CHRIST said, “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:…” John 10:10, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: ” 1 Peter 5:8.

The devil knows the only way one can miss the prize is by taking them off the track, by making one disqualified. “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you for the prize …” Colossians 2:18.

So Let us run the race patiently, enduring the problems of the life and one day, we all should say as Apostle Paul said, “I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” Hallelujah.

Praise JESUS