Dec 1, 20193 min read

The Race of a Lifetime

Updated: Feb 13, 2020

December 2, 2019

Good Morning Princesses!

The Race of a Lifetime ~ Part 1

The Patriarchs ~ Week 5 Recap

1. Gearing Up For Your Race

Growing up I was not an avid runner. I always admired those that could run both long and short distances as each required a particular training regime (eating, practice, gym, rest, recovery). Basically, for any training, whether it be for a short or long-distance there are two key elements that serve as training bookends; duration and endurance. For this week we will take a closer look at "endurance" and connect back with the term "duration" next week with a few running tips.

duration ~ (noun) the time during which something continues.

endurance ~ (noun) the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.

2. Hebrews 12 ~ Endurance

Late October/early November we took a look at Hebrews 11 (Understanding God's Will) and discussed the Great Hall of Faith. Hebrews 12 calls for us as believers to endure. In fact, the scripture heading is "A Call to Endurance" (HCSB). Understanding God's will requires that we run with endurance. So how can one "run with endurance?" What are the action steps? Take a look below at three as identified in Hebrews 12: 1-2.

a. Be encouraged...

by the heroes listed in the Hall of Faith and fellow Christians as we run this race. Hebrews 12:1 tells us that we have a "large cloud of witnesses surrounding us". Be encouraged and find inspiration as we travel on this Christian journey.

b. Lay aside...

every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1). In our running tips next week, we will discuss the running tips, but for now, know begin to think about the following question...what are the hurdles that hinder you from running your race with endurance? What do you need to cast off?

c. Focus, keep your eyes on Jesus...

"the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne." (Hebrews 12:2)

Jesus is the ultimate example of running the race with endurance. He carried out His assignment with complete faithfulness and endured the cross.

As we enter into the season of Advent (December 1-24) a time of expectant waiting, preparation, and celebration for both the observance of the birth of Christ (first coming) and the return of Jesus at the second coming, please stay prayerful, be encouraged, lay aside every weight and keep your eyes focused on Jesus.

Oh, princesses of faith...remember

Prayer “empowers and ‘charges up’ every other piece so they can be used effectively against the enemy. Without prayer… your armor, cannot, will not, be infused with the power that only God’s-Spirit can give."

Closing Thoughts-