I’m thankful for the one who set the race track. I’d rather be on the Lord’s track than on the one going to hell. By Jesus’ death we have the green light on the starting line. If we’ll stick to the track, nothing has to distract us from it.
Hebrews 12: Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
Next weekend is race weekend. I dread the traffic. It’s something for the thousands that come in for it. “Welcome Race Fans” is a coded phrase for we want your money. It’s amazing that it’s already time for the race again. It’s almost half way through April and 1/3 of the year is about done. My, how fast we’re going!
Generally the one who goes fastest wins. Sometimes they start slower. I’ve seen people who get saved go fast; they are raring to go at first and then they slow down. They didn’t take time to run patiently. As we near the finish it gets harder. Things and people on the sidelines try to get our attention. The one who wins goes at a stable pace. He or she runs with patience. If you don’t take time to grow and develop a relationship with God you’ll jump the gun and burn yourself out. Running with patience and keeping your eye on the finish line makes a good runner. The Bible says the battles and hindrances are many but be patient. He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved. I’d rather put up with the battles of the devil here than to fall away and out of the race and have there the devil laugh at me through eternity.
I’ve never seen it as it is now. The godless are running down Christians constantly. The Holy Spirit says don’t let yourself get distracted. Keep focused and serve the Lord. Hang in there. We’ve come a long way down the course. Jesus still has the course set. The devil throws every distraction there is. When you see and hear what’s going on, it is discouraging. People get out of church and fall away. The devil shouts ‘you might as well give up too.’ He tries to put stumbling blocks on the gospel race track. The Lord promised if we’d run with patience one day at a time, one battle at a time, one mountain at a time that the Lord will make a way of escape for every trial and test. We don’t have to fail; we can make it to the finish line.
We started on our knees calling out to the Lord. Keep going. I’ve seen more than one go over the line at a game and make a touchdown. Many fall to their knees because they made it. The devil wants us to think we can’t make it, but put one foot in front of the other. Don’t be deceived. Don’t be discouraged. Don’t be divided. Stay on course for the finish line. I think we’re on the homestretch. I can see Jesus with his hand outstretched waving for us to come on. No one knew that Walt would cross the finish line when he did. I want us all to finish, so let’s run with patience together. Pay attention to nothing else but what Jesus says. He who began a good work in you will finish it.
It’s not over yet. There are a few steps to go. We can make it together.
Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church 