Hebrews 12: 1-3 (The Message)
Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!
Today my family and I started out for a casual bike ride, it was a blast. I lead the way pulling a trailer with some supplies in it and my youngest boy Josiah. We rode and we rode and we rode some more avoiding all of the dangers along the way. The car that backed out of the driveway not looking at the sidewalk riders or the cars parked across the sidewalk so that you had to go out into the road. We went down busy streets to quiet back yard neighborhoods streets. The interesting thing was that both of them presented dangers to our kids. But we as loving parents guided them by the dangers and told them when to stop and when to go. We lead the way by example.
You see we were on a journey at first and we had no idea where we were going. It was a casual ride but then I realized how far the kids could go so we decided to push them. We went farther than they had ever gone before. They grew tired and some even wanted to give up, the hills were hard and water breaks were needed. My kids had no idea where we were or how much longer till we got to where we were going. All they had was a Dad leading them and a mom in the rear saying you can do it.
My kids simply trusted us and knew that we would take care of them. We arrived at Jerry and Tracy House had a cold popsicle and then started back home. When they grew tired we cheered them on saying you can do it, great job.
After the ride I was struck with the thought of Jesus leading us on our journey. He knows where we are going and how far he can push us. The Holy Spirit is behind us encouraging us and giving us the power needed to complete the journey. This journey is like a race many times we have no idea where God is taking us. We only see him leading the way and telling us which dangers to avoid and when to stop and then go. The Holy Spirit is the refreshing break we need. Spending time in God’s presence on Sunday morning or during personal times of prayer is recharging to our souls as we run the race.
Yet like the writer of Hebrews said: “Because he(Jesus) never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever”. God is leading us on a Journey and he will help you avoid the pitfalls and dangers but you must be willing to follow Him and listen to His directions. He will push you father than you think you can go but in the end the race will be won and you will finish strong.
