Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
In my thoughts, the gym had never been a space for me. However, starting in February, I kicked that proverbial door down and purchased membership to the YMCA for our family. I have been going 3 days a week, walking on the treadmill. It is a place of worship for me, because I know I cannot do this without God’s help. So, I pray and worship Him while I’m exercising. (Good music helps).
At my age, running did not seem feasible. How on earth does a person learn to breath while running? I have a couple of buddies that are walking this journey with me. We pray for each other, encourage each other, and speak truthfully about our journey. The good, the bad and the ugly. I once texted them recently and said “My goal is to learn how to run or at least jog without dying from not being able to breathe properly. I see that there are a couple guys at the gym that can do it effortlessly. But I’m pretty sure I look like a drowning sheep. Actually, if you’ve ever thrown a cat into the pond, that’s probably what I look like”….
Something changed for me this morning as I pushed into running on the treadmill. I have been doing it in intervals trying to extend how far I can go at a time. So far, I am pushing at about a half mile at a time. (And, I am NOT DYING, praise the Lord). As I began to focus on Jesus, I realized that stripping off every weight began to get easier. Because I was running after Jesus, desiring to be with Him. I could visualize that as I focused on Him, it was effortless to cast aside every weight, even the sin that trips us up. There is something about desiring and loving Jesus so much, that when our eyes are focused on Him, we are running the race God has set before us. Jesus is our champion who initiates and perfects our faith. There is no other way!! As I looked in the reflection in the window I saw a soldier running and not a drowning sheep, or a cat struggling in a pond.
I’m not sure that my words exactly capture what I lived this morning. But to me it was a life-changing epiphany. He caused me to see more clearly and experience a victory I did not think I had! Praise the Lord God Almighty! He is good!
There is a song that I like that I think sums this up beautifully:
Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full into his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.
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