TIRED IN THE RACE?

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).

          Imagine that you are running a race, hurdle after hurdle, no one to run with you, and the finish line seems as though it does not exist. You can’t see anymore because what were once drops of sweat, are now teardrops that are constantly blocking your vision. You can’t breathe, you’re weary, and can no longer run. You are not running a physical race, but a spiritual race, a race that requires much more endurance and perseverance.  

          Many times in our walk with God, we become tired. We become tired of doing the right thing. We become weary while waiting on God. However, the bible tells us in Galatians 6:9 not to be weary in well doing. We wll reap our harvest in due season if we do not give up. Most of our lives are spent waiting on Him to fulfill a promise or a need. This may be difficult in the midst of trials, but those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).

          While running this spiritual and rewarding race, we are to seek our Heavenly Father. For He alone gives great counsel and excellent in wisdom (Isaiah 28:19). Reading God’s Word daily, hearing the Word of God, and remaining in constant prayer will strengthen you for your battle. God is not a God who would tell a lie. What God has promised you, He will surely bring it to pass (Numbers 23:19). Don’t quit. Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD (Psalm 27:14, NKJV).

          We as followers and believers of Christ must never stop running the race that God has set before us. Our minds and our bodies may become weak from our afflictions but our hearts must remain strong in this battle. Jesus was our perfect example of how to run this race and endure flawlessly. Look to Jesus when you become tired. He alone will show you how to finish the race, and finish strong.

          Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I have my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back (Philippians 3:14, The MSG).

OBEDIENCE

If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, You shall be devoured by the sword”; For the mouth of the Lord has spoken (Isaiah 1:19-20).

            We must be willing and obedient in our walk with God. Our Heavenly Father has granted us instructions to abide by in His word. It is our free will to either follow His ways or not. To choose life or to choose death. The choice is ours.

            Obedience to God is more a blessing than a means to prohibit us from anything good. God does not tell us to do anything that is not for our own benefit. When we obey God, we are blessed. And this is what will happen: When you, on your part, will obey these directives, keeping and following them, God, on his part, will keep the covenant of loyal love that he made with your ancestors: He will love you, He will bless you, He will increase you (Deut. 7:12-13, The MSG).

            There may be times in our lives when God will have us to do or say something that is beyond our comprehension. Nevertheless, we must obey the voice of God. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Samuel explains to then King Saul that obedience is better than sacrifice. To listen to the voice of God is better than any tithe or offering that we can present unto God. Listening and following God’s instructions may bless you or someone else. Learn to listen to what the Holy Spirit is telling you to do and obey immediately. Don't even think about it. Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding.

            Like King Saul, many Christians make the mistake of thinking that partial obedience is true obedience to God. Partial obedience is disobedience. Disobedience is what cost King Saul his kingship, which God delivered to King David. Can I say that your disobedience will cost you a major blessing? Disobedience is what made Jonah flee from God and waste 3 days and 3 nights in an unfortunate circumstance. Disobedience wastes time, costs you and others blessings from God, and may hinder deliverance.

            What is God telling you to do right now that you are not doing? Is what He is telling you to do for your own benefit? Make the decision now to obey the voice of the Lord, your God.

God Bless.