January 25th

This is not a sprint, it is an endurance race/marathon. The approach to those two things is totally different. Sure we could end up raptured tomorrow, but we don’t know that and must prepare for a long run. So as much as we want quick results in today’s microwave society, we have to go into this with a long-term mentality. We settle in to our rhythm so that we can make it to the end and we cheer each other on along the way. A couple of things to consider: This journey is different from any other race you will run. First, you don’t know the course. You know the end point, but you don’t know the course you will run to get there, nor do you know how long it will take or when you will arrive at the finish line. You can’t even see what is right ahead of you because of all of the twists and turns, you can only see the short section of the course that you are on at the moment. Sometimes even what you think you see today ends up being different than what you thought, but, the finish line is at a higher elevation so you can see it from every point you are at along the way.

At times the race will seem impossible to finish, it will be hard and wear you out, you will want to give up or think you can’t continue. But this is why the finish line remains visible, it is a reminder of why you are running. And there at the finish line, awaits a huge crowd of all who have gone before you, and they are cheering you on as you run. You can’t hear them yet, but you can tell they are doing just that.

Now if they had told you at the starting line that the race was a sprint or an easy course, you would be disappointed or even angry when you found out that was not true. If you were on the course alone, it would be hard to remain encouraged to stay the course, especially because all along the way there are distractions on either side that are quite tempting. It would also be frustrating and impossible to figure out which way to go if it weren’t for the map stations all along the way pointing you in the right direction if only you would stop and look/ask directions.

For our race, Jesus warned us that it would contain troubles but not to be disheartened because He has already overcome those troubles and made a way for us to make it through them so we can still reach the finish line. And we are not on the course alone, not only do we have the Lord with us, but we have each other. God uniquely designed the Church to function like a body, of which Jesus is the head, so that we work together, making it easier. That way all of the weight doesn’t fall on one person and we can keep each other encouraged and hold each other accountable along the way. And since we can’t see ahead and don’t know the course, He has given us His Spirit and His Word to guide us, available 24/7 if only we would consult Him.

So as January winds down to a close, we are almost a month into the new year and we have a lot of race ahead of us. Let us settle in to a steady rhythm for the long haul. As we see others along the way, let us be an encouragement to them. You never know when someone you see is about to give up, about to get off the path, or has not looked at the map in a while. We get the privilege of running this race together, let’s be grateful for that and make the most of it!

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.

Isaiah 48:17 This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Jesus, thank you for running this course first and overcoming the traps. Help me to be brave and run this race with courage. Help me to remember to seek you for direction and refueling and not think that I’ve got this on my own. Help me to see those around me and encourage them. Help me to ask for help from others when I need it. Thank you for your plan that includes me Lord, help me to keep my eyes on the prize.