Race

I have a lot of friends that are who are racing fans. They are as devoted to the racers that they follow as I am to watching the Razorbacks on Saturday or the Cowboys on Sunday. And their level of devotion carries them through the qualifying heats, practice laps, and all the little details that come up preparing for the race on Sunday. 

The thing is, these folks cheer for racing but they really aren't racers themselves. I am the same way. I love football but I am not the one playing the games on Saturday or Sunday. Each one of us is a lot like this about our lives. We plan this or that but never actually jump into it because we become consumed with the problems or tribulations that we might face. I mean what if we can't finish what we start? What if we lose? And this train of thought leads us to never giving ourselves a chance to develop that endurance that the apostle Paul refers to - endurance that develops a person's character and leads to hope. 

Remember the last time a project at work you were sure you could never do or get done on time, even if you figured out how to make it happen? You were defeated before you ever started. Every time you make an attempt, some memory from childhood plays through your mind, a memory that broke your spirit and put you on a downward spiral. Things like, "You have never been a good test taker," or "I wish you were more like..." or "You will never amount to much." Statements like these have colored your view of your abilities. Or how about the time when you had to make a life changing decision but you could decide which way to go? You sat there like a man on a stage frozen by the crowd and the spot light. 

God has not called us to a life of fear. He has called us to a life beyond the planning stages. Don't get me wrong planning is crucial to success but we have to take a leap of faith and trust God to put us where we best fit His plans. God intends for us to run the race of life with perseverance and courage. It's not about how you start the race that matters it's how you finish. 

Step out of your comfort zone and get in the race already. Where does He want you to go? Where is He working and where can you get involved? 

Get in the race already!

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,  and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." Romans 5:3-5