RUN!

When I was in elementary school, I used to love competing in athletic races. The scariest part though, was not knowing who I was running against until they approach the start line. If at the start line, the known fastest runner stepped forward to compete against me, my hope of winning ran in the opposite direction of the finish line. But if the line up of runners were those I could beat to the finish line, confidence waited at the finish line with pom-poms to cheer me on. Whether hope ran south, or confidence waited excitedly north of the start line, I had some cheerleaders in the bleachers who cheered for me all the way.

We all are in a race. Some of us are still at the start line weighed down by sins, fears, evil habits, and idleness. Others of us are running towards the finish line with all vigor and perseverance.

The bible says that in this Christian race we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, so we must throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

My cloud of witnesses (cheerleaders) are shouting from the bleachers of the Bible. Paul pointed them out in the Faith Hall of Fame in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11. Paul reminded us that these forerunners ran quite the race and have left many encouraging words to give our legs enough strength to push on.

So while you’re in this race of life, look to the bleachers of the Bible’s arena and you will hear a cloud of witnesses cheering you on…

David playing on his harp, and shouts, “Be strong and of good courage; fear not or be dismayed; for the Lord, even my God, will be with thee.” Deuteronomy 31:6

Isaiah jumps and bellows, “[God] will uphold you with [His] righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

Joshua screamed with confidence, “Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

In his wisdom, Solomon buoys up the others, claps his hands, and chants, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5–6

Paul, cups his hands around his mouth and belts, “…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Wanting to outdo the others, David steps away from his seat, climbs one of the arena pillars, and screams, “The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.” Psalm 37:23-24

As you run, sometimes the sweat on your brows may cause your path to appear foggy, but listen to the voice of Paul who shouts, “Keep going friend”, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7

Yes, you may fall, but don’t you give up, look to Ezra, “Arise; for this matter belongeth unto thee: we also will be with thee: be of good courage, and do it.” Ezra 10:4

Sometimes on your run, the opposing team will say and do things to discourage you, but give a listening ear to Joseph, who rides in a chariot beside the side lines, “[they] meant evil…but God meant it for good” Genesis 50:20

The race may seem as a never ending marathon but “…press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

And just when you feel like giving up, just when you seem to run out of steam, just when you fall, and look ahead to the finish line- which seems to be getting farther away from you, just when you’ve drowned out the sounds of the cheers from the cloud of witnesses, JESUS, the master cheer leader leaves the seat of the bleachers, reaches out with His hand, and whispers in a most loving, and encouraging tone, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

RUN! RUN! RUN! RUN!

Merry Melodious Melody

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