Friday, September 10, 2010

Running the Race to Win!



 
I Corinthians 9:24 & 26

v. 24 Do you not know that those who run a race all run,
but one receives the prize?
Run in such a way that you may obtain it.

v. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty.
Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air.

(It was a Tuesday...)
      This day took off and I frantically ran after it. I never caught up! It reached the finish line with me trailing far behind, nowhere in sight. I ran fast and gave my all, and it left me in the dust. So what happened? The day started out as usual; chores at the barn, making coffee... a shower, but then I had those extra things - the Dr. appointments, the errands, a visit with my grand babies, a stop at the store, date with my husband.....

      Did I pray? Did I do my bible study? No! I must confess, I didn't think of it. I got up earlier than usual so I could feed the living things before I left for the Doctor's. I fed everything but myself. My daily bread sat on the table with my bible study book. It was available but I was not. I could have grabbed it on my way out the door but I didn't. My focus was on the many things I "needed" to do.

      Through the day I shot an occasional shallow prayer up to my Father, but nothing deep, and I received no life-changing replies back. I didn't invest the time necessary to hear Him, so I ran with uncertainty. I fought the struggles of the day like one beating the air.

      When I take time to pray and read His word at the beginning of the day, it's like taking hold of His hand and walking (or running) with Him through it. I turn the race over to Him and let Him set the pace, as He leads me to the finish line. Each of those days add up to a lifetime. He wants all of us to run the race of our lives to win the prize!

      
          "Oh Lord, I am so sorry. My desire is to put you first and I put you last today. No wonder I felt like I was beating the air. I was running in my own strength and I might as well have been going backwards. Thank you for showing me that without you I won't win the race, no matter what I get accomplished - I won't even place. Thank you, that at the end of every day is the dawning of a brand new one; a fresh beginning with you. Help me run this race to win."

17 comments:

  1. Boy, this sounds awfully familiar to me. Thank you for this reminder. I, like many other people I know, need to be reminded often.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  2. I need to remember to always put God first. A wonderful post. Have a blessed weekend.

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  3. been there, done that! thank goodness
    His mercies are new each morning.

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  4. This happens too often for me too...Putting God first is the only way to start our day! Thank you for this reminder!

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  5. This post touches my heart. This is an on going prayer of mmin to make the time for HIM!
    God Bless
    Ginger

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  6. Good points all! As a member of the Sandwich Generation, juggling a slew of issues including caring for elderly parents, helping with the grandkids and more, I can definitely relate! I frequently get called out very early in the a.m. to help one or another. I've stocked my iPod mp3 player with several sermons by favorite pastors full of verse by verse Bible studies, as well as plenty of wonderful praise and worship music. Then, when I can't sit down to read the Bible, I can listen to a Bible study as I drive to and from my destination. It's been such a blessing. :)

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  7. This post strikes a familiar chord with all of us! Wow. you are so right. We need to start our day with the Lord if its to finish right.

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  8. Each day a fresh beginning with God... that was a refreshing and much needed message.

    I hope that you have a wonderful weekend!

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  9. Early morning prayer is what I need! Thank you for sharing this.

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  10. I am embarassed to say that I am identifying with you on this one. I do my daily Bible reading and the days' word from Oswald Chambers, but sometimes I can't even tell you what I read. I went through the motions. Shame on me and Lord have mercy on me. I missed out on great blessings from the Lord because I was in too big of a hurry. I stand in agreement with the prayer that I will make time with Him priority. Do I think I can take a journey in my car with an empty tank of gas?

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  11. This is one lesson that unfortunately, I am still learning. I'm much better at it but boy are you right...without him we surrender the race. Blessings, Patty

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  12. Excellent post. Clear, concise--right to the point. This is so true of many of us. Thank you for calling attention to this need of ours.

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  13. I loved this honest post and aren't we all guilty of this at times. Thanks for sharing.

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  14. without Him...can't win the race. Great message and a good reminder.

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  15. Awesome post, I could have written it, I have done this so many times. Thanks for the reminder.

    Blessings,
    Sue

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  16. It is incredible how different (not in a good way!) the day goes if I miss my quiet time with Him. Thanks for the reminder.

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