This morning I struggled with fear and lack of confidence in the path that I have now embarked upon. However, the phrase “run with endurance” came to mind so I looked it up.
Now, anyone that knows me knows that I am not a runner or a racer. I’m a walker and a plodder. But as I read through the context of Hebrews 12:1 and cross-referenced it with other Scriptures, I discovered that there is no reference to speed. I found references to enduring, moving ahead, and finishing.
There is a “cloud of witnesses”
People are watching us and witnessing our approach to the path that is in front of us. They see whether we prepare for the race or just stand around behind the starting line. We have to prepare ourselves with faith in God’s call and get the training we need for the path He sets in front of us.
Looking back, I see that God has been preparing me for a while now for the path He has placed in front of me. I took a university course in Web Design and Layout. My grandmother and mother were great cooks, and let me learn from them starting at a very young age. They trained me in the homemaking arts of hospitality, canning/preserving, house cleaning, crafting, and more. For years, I have been collecting and reading books on creating a home and mentoring women. Opportunities in the church have allowed me to teach Bible studies and lessons from the nursery to adult women. God has not thrust me onto a path without preparing me for it.
Lay aside every hinderance
It’s time to set aside the fears that would detour me from His path. Hebrews tells us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us” (Hebrews 12:1). I need to stop fearing that no one will listen to or read my words, and be obedient to speaking and writing them.
God is responsible for the response, I am responsible to obey. The message about the influence of God in the home and family needs to be shared, and I am only one voice that He has chosen. But if I don’t share, is there someone who won’t hear?
Run with endurance
An endurance race invokes visions of a marathon or triathlon. It is not a short race but one that requires endurance. We gain strength through preparation before the race so that we don’t collapse in the middle. A runner must endure hills and valleys, twists and turns, even and bumpy running surfaces.
The race set before us is not a short one. It endures for a lifetime. My race is sharing God’s influence in the home and family. He calls each of us to our own race. When we run alongside someone else to encourage or be encouraged, we are still only responsible for our own race and enduring our own challenges that would cause us to detour.
We succeed by seeking Him
Success requires “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross… ” (Hebrews 12:2a). We do not walk alone if we stay focused on the Lord. We must follow His example to set aside distractions, to move ahead with consistency and confidence, and to achieve the prize at the end of the race.
An old hymn played through my mind this morning as I had my devotions. The words echo Hebrews 12.
I don’t run alone or in my own strength. I follow the path that God has laid out for me knowing that He will give me the power every hour to be true to His calling.
What race are you on? If you have stumbled, it’s time to get back up and start again. If you have detoured, it’s time to get back to the main road. Let’s walk together and encourage one another to endure the rough spots, to keep our eyes on Jesus, and to finish our race in His power and strength.
I appreciate you listening to my heart for home and family!
