How to run the race set before you

Last week I wrote about Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV which encourages us to persevere in the race set before us.  You can check out the blog here if you missed it. Spoiler alert, Jesus is the way. We must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith.

Today, I want us to drill down on how Jesus did it. There are a few things necessary for running this race.

First, we need to hear God. I’ve said this before. If you’ve never heard from God or it has been a while, read my blog titled, Want to hear from God? Here’s how. Jesus was eager to hear from God, often withdrawing to solitary places to be alone with God. Therefore, he left his family and friends, i.e. – his disciples, to pray.

Question: when was the last time you were eager to hear from God and withdrew to a solitary place to do so?

Hearing from God takes an eagerness, discipline, commitment and patience. Set aside a time each day to be alone with God. You can pray, meditate, read scripture or just sit and listen. Be intentional about this time with God. Make it a priority.

Second, we need to trust God.

Question: how do you trust God?

You trust God by obeying what He says. Our obedience shows God we trust Him. Actions speak louder than words.

The defnition of the verb ‘trust’ is  to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of; to believe

b : to place confidence in : to rely on a friend you can trust

c : to hope or expect confidently

Jesus placed all his confidence in God. It did not matter what God asked of him. By the obedience he displayed, Jesus persevered in running the race set before him. His race took him to the cross. Fortunately for us, the story does not end there. Hebrews 12:2 says, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus persevered because of his relationship with God. His obedience, even unto death, brought glory to the Father and life for us all. That’s how important it is to run our race. What if Jesus had decided not to finish his race?

Question: how do we run the race set before us?

Do it like Jesus did it!  Hear God. Trust God. Obey God. Over and over again until it is a natural response. By continually hearing, trusting and obeying, we develop a relationship with God.

I want you to hear from God. Once you do, your life will change forever. In an instant, God becomes a real, personal being. Not far away. God is here with us. In fact, your relationship with God is what will help you persevere when things get tough. When you hear God say, “Trust me”, you know you can.

Let us pray. Father God, forgive me when I don’t make time for you. Help me to hear you, so I can trust and obey you. More importantly, I want a relationship with you. I want to know that you are right here with me. So, if hearing you helps me have a deeper relationship with you, then let me hear you. Speak Lord, I’m listening. In Jesus Name, Amen. -M

p.s. – I would love to hear from you. Comment below and let me know how you hear from God, what works and what doesn’t.