Daily Reading
Racing with Saints
Elaine Pierce
I often tell my trainer that my favorite part of going to the gym is when I am leaving. The hardest part is getting there. I can think of lots of things I'd rather be doing than push ups.....leg lifts.....squats.....etc. But when I'm done and headed to my car, I have a sense of accomplishment and I'm ready for whatever the day will bring. Pushing my body to work harder and stay healthy feels good, but getting started is the hard part.
The first 13 verses of Hebrews 12 use athletic imagery to drive home the point that Christians have a high calling: we are running a race that is 'marked out for us (v. 1). ' To run this race effectively, we need to 'fix our eyes on Jesus (v. 2).' We need to 'strengthen feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. (v. 13).'
One of the best parts about this "Christian race" is right at the beginning of the chapter: 'we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.' This is not a lone ranger event. Those saints who have gone before us are cheering us on every step of the way. I would encourage you to read Hebrews 11 and you will marvel at all the unlikely people that God has used to fulfill his purposes. While they had many flaws, they all had faith that God was directing their paths, even when they didn't receive glory and riches in their lifetimes.
Sometimes the first step is the hardest, just like showing up at the gym can be a challenge. But stepping out in obedience to God's call is half the battle. He will give you what you need for the task he has laid out for you. When we grow weary - and we will - we need only fix our eyes on Jesus, get back on our feet, lace up our shoes, and run with perseverance. We rest on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
PRAYER
Today, in honor of All Saint's Day, consider praying through song.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
ELAINE PIERCE
It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!
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