Keep Running Your Race

Written by: Harriet Chunu

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We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. – Hebrews 12:2 (NLT)

When I was younger, I would sit with my dad and watch Formula 1 racing with him. I often thought that the race was long and boring and noticed that some of the cars would pull over to their stations to have their wheels changed, engines checked, or just tended to when a minor issue occurred. I was told this was essential because not only must the driver be focused at all times, but if an issue was ignored, it could affect the efficiency and quality of the journey.

Although our race is not completed in a race car with four wheels, engines, and bolts, we too sometimes need to pull over to our refuge, strong tower, and friend. These loose bolts, warning signs, and challenges might take the form of our job security, concern about the new school semester, whilst for others it could be fear, self-doubt, comparison, a sudden wave of identity crisis, or sin that pushes us to hide away in shame.

It’s not exactly the easiest thing to do, because sometimes, these challenges or thoughts are not always visible the first time round and can easily go unnoticed.

As much as we cannot control the context or the different probabilities to our journey – we can control our response.

What I love about the above verse is that it tells us exactly what our response should be. It does not tell us to keep going by ourselves, but to keep “our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.” Another version says we should keep our eyes ‘fixed,’ secured and focused on the one who is with us every step of the way. On the One who promised to be with us, even during this race. And you know what friend, He loves us and died for us so that we could be close to our Father.

Even though at one point Jesus faced pain and wanted the cup to be taken from Him, He knew that the joy set before Him was worth enduring the cross; for us. So, keep running your race and remain faithful because the One who looks over us never goes back on His Word and has always been faithful.

Reflection

1. In what area of your life today will you seek God as your refuge?

2. What practical ways can you fix your eyes on Jesus every day? Consider what activities you may need to cut out.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the relationship we have with Jesus, one that is not distant or with someone we cannot talk to. May we look to You to refresh our mind, body, and spirit when we lack the strength to carry on. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. READ MORE DAILY DEVOTIONS…

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#armswideopen #harrietchunu #refuge #joy #hope