My Devoted Lord, I know that in submitting myself to You, I have received both a calling and a mission. Paul referred to the process as “running my race.” You have assured me I would never be asked to “run a race” that had never been run before and my predecessor’s success should be a source of encouragement to me. I know that in “running my race” I do not do it alone nor will you allow any problems I encounter to stymie me. If others have “run a race” like mine and won … I should also. When hardships and discouragement come upon me, it is easy to lose sight of the task that You assigned to me. However, I must never forget that You are there to guide me to a successful finish. Additionally, as is the case with each runner, there is a point in every race where he must persevere to achieve his goal. That is also true with “running my race” for You.
The Christian life involves hard work. It requires that I give up whatever endangers my relationship with You. Therefore, I must run patiently and struggle against my sins as I am trained by the Holy Spirit. To “run my race” effectively, I must keep my eyes on You or I will surely stumble if I look away from You to focus on myself or stare at the circumstances surrounding me. I should be committed to running for You, not me; and I must always keep my eyes on the goal You have set before me. I must understand that it is not me who chose the race I am running but You. It is what You think is important for me to do, not me. The race You ran was not an easy one but, through obedience and perseverance, You endured the cross despite the rejection of Your people and taking on the punishment for sins You did not commit. I am thankful that my race is not the one You were called to run.
No matter what interference I encounter in “running my race”, You encourage me to persevere in moving forward. You did not give up, despite trying circumstances, so neither should I. I know that in assigning me a “race to run”, You never asked me to do anything that would harm me. Along the way, I should expect correction, training, and techniques that will help me succeed in completing my race. It will not always be easy or pleasant to run my course, but Your commitment to stand with me and help me get to the finish line is a sign of Your deep and abiding love. I can accept my training routine and race without reservation, self-pity, anger, and resentment when I am grateful for being chosen. Accepting my race, even though I cannot see the outcome in advance, allows me to become a force for good and allows me to accomplish something meaningful. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
Hebrews 12:1 … let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.