Pam Padgett ... teacher
In Hebrews 12 we're told about running the race set before us so that we
don't weary and faint. Our "race" is to live our lives in a way that
is pleasing to God, conforming our lives to the Word of God and being
led by the Holy Spirit.
Hebrews 12:1Wherefore 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.
One of the things we need to do in order to run this race is to identify
and deal appropriately with anything that holds us back from believing
what God says to us and doing that. We must be willing to see the truth
about ourselves and others in order to identify those things that would
hinder us in some way. Anything that gets in the way of us doing what
we believe God is leading us to do needs to be dealt with in a spiritual
way, through prayer and depending on God to show us what to do.
The race we run is set before us. We run this race each day as we deal
with those things brought to us that day. Not dwelling on those things
that are behind us, or trying to deal with things which may, or may not,
be in the future. We deal with those things needing attention today so
we can continue to move forward in things of God.
Philippians 3:Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have
apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I
press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.
Matthew 6:34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow
shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is
the evil thereof.
We are to run the race with patience, continuing in those things we have been shown to do without wavering.
As we run this race, we are to look to Jesus, and considering all that
He endured, so that we might not become weary and faint. Jesus knows
exactly what we are going through because He was tempted in all ways as
we are, and even endured the cross, yet pleased the Father in all things
and did not enter into sin. Now Jesus sits on the right hand of the
Father interceding for us and allowing us to come to Him boldly ...
without fear of being refused ... seeking mercy and help as we face
each trial.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our
profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched
with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like
as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the
throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in
time of need.
As I considered that Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame for
the joy set before Him, I thought of how we have been given many
promises showing not only what God will do to help us, but also those
things to come. Thinking on these promises strengthens and encourages
us to continue in what God has said, and also helps us keep in mind how
temporary this world is and what has been promised in that which is to come. Here are a few of the many promises we've
been given .....
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Psalm 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. 15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
1 Thess. 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a
shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and
the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2 Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Rev. 21:21 1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first
heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out
of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a
great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with
men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God
himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away
all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither
sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former
things are passed away.