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Heb 12:1..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.
God shows us from his word that there is a race that HE has already marked out for us, but in order to run swiftly we must shed some weight. Spiritually speaking we must shed some of the heaviness of heart in our lives which weighs us down and slows up our race. And of course sin is always central to interrupting our forward motion of growth spiritually . This sin is not only a dangerous problem but is easily a dangerous problem most likely to disqualify us from competing in the race God has called us to run. Our race may be a rat-race and if one is caught up in this race for to long, he or she may become the rat. No need for that. We must compete by the rules (GODS RULES) if we are ever going to win the crown.
1 Cor 9:24..Run in such a way as to get the prize. (NIV)
Any attempt to run our own way will only result in more entanglements, namely a hardening of heart to the things of God. It is clear that He has not left us to our own leanings when it comes to direction -- he says "the race (is) marked out for us". This means their is a track where the race is held, their our signs posts along the way (to guide us) and their our referees and judges to make sure everything is done honestly.
But we must make the effort to "throw off" anything holding us down and preventing us to run effectively. This Throwing off is a willingness on our part to address the issues at hand no matter how discomforting they may be. Notice also, that when it comes to the Will of God, the Lord uses the words "race" and "run". In other areas of our spiritual walk, God would tells us that "a man of Faith does not make haste" (he's not in a hurry) when it comes to making choices. But when it comes to obedience, the Lord knowing how prone we are to sin ("easily entangled") says we are to RUN.
You see it really isn't so much that we are lost as Christians, as much as we reject the way marked out for us. God promises he has not left us abandoned as orphans but has given the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and convict us. If God has marked it then he intends for it to be seen by all. It is not for a select few. It can be run victoriously by the worst sinner since if it is by Gods ability and not our own. You may say, serving God is to hard, I don't have the Patience necessary to run that race the way God wants me too. Your right, the Patience is given by the Holy Spirit as Fruit in our walk. The real underlining problem lies with us. Why do we continue to reject the provision of God to enable us to run? Even still we may doubt God's ability already given to equip us, out of unbelief. This will certainly cause weakness and defeat since we are always disabled without faith.
Phil 3:14..I press on toward the goal to him, the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (KJV)
Let us not forget that the real prize is Jesus Christ, and to attain this prize, our Direction must be heavenward. After all this is where Jesus Dwells not in the rat race. Make sure your prize is the right one. If it is wrong you can be sure your direction will be wrong as well.
Matt 6:21..For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
God would ask you today, to break free of the many non-essentials in your life that seem to distract you from running HIS race. The worrying that comes from the cares of this life will only hold you back from attaining the promises of God. Our first calling in our life is not competing with men but running toward Christ to attain him in fullness.