Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
Thinking on these verses and the call to run the race, to run my race. You and I are called to run the race – the race of faith; and we are called to run uniquely and individually the race that God has set specifically for us.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners run (their very best to win), but only one receives the prize? Run (your race) in such a way that you may seize the prize and make it yours! 1 Corinthians 9:24
Running the race means we are making God’s will and purpose our priority. We know God’s general will by looking at the wisdom of His Word – receiving the Word in faith, applying it to our lives, and living it out. But what is that specific race God is calling you to?
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
Your mind is renewed as you spend time in the Word, relying on the counsel and power of the Holy Spirit, and transformation begins to happen. With the Holy Spirit’s leading, it becomes easier to recognize God’s voice and direction in your life.
There are so many things we can give our attention to on a daily basis, so many good things and even great things… but what is it that God has in store for you? Your story and path are different from mine, so we never want to trap ourselves in comparison.
I have been in a season of being wife and mom – a dream come true for me! There are other dreams God has placed in my heart, and so I am regularly acknowledging Him and asking Him what I need to set my hand to. Even if something small, it’s using what you have. Being obedient right where you are. Because there are seasons in life, and you and I need to know the season we are in. Because even the right thing at the wrong time is the wrong thing. Yet every season matters.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1
Seasons of preparation. Seasons of change. Seasons of challenges. Seasons of ease. Seasons of focus in one area that will change the next.
It’s easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing or by the noise you hear online or on television or even in your own circle of friends. Even well-meaning friends can have ideas on what you should be doing and how you should be doing it. Maybe you were completely content and on track. But then you look around and suddenly, you’re thrown off course and questioning if you are in the right place. Should you be doing more, or should you be doing something different? Should you maybe try doing it the way they did?
Maybe you heard God speak, but things aren’t going quite like you thought they would, so you begin to wonder – did I miss You, God? Even if you’re right where God wants you to be, the enemy can move in to distract you; and if you take your eyes off Jesus, you can quickly be misdirected and will need God to get you back in the right direction.
I’ve been there! But the good news is God is faithful to meet us right where we are and course correct. He wants you in the race and on track to do what He’s called you to, and He is faithful to provide you with all that you need to do so.
Something of note to remember (and I heard Andrew Wommack say something similar): a runner in a race isn’t looking around at the other runners, and they’re not stopping to respond to spectators. Instead they remain focused – not looking back, not looking to their left or to their right, but ahead.
Stay in the race! Stay focused!
Also of note: God will never call you to do something that is contrary to what’s in His Word. Feelings, hunches, your gut don’t overrule the authority of God’s word.
God has a purpose for your life. He has a specific purpose He wants each of us to live out. Through relationship with Him, we get clarity of purpose.
God is always speaking, and we begin to hear Him more clearly when we quiet down, tune out the noise, and give Him our attention.
Will you be obedient? Will you take that first step of faith without seeing the whole picture? Will you be faithful to steward the season you’re in?
Let’s be faithful to steward the seasons and to run with endurance the race set out for us.
So good!