Run your Race

I attended The Village Church in Nolensville yesterday morning with my sister and her family. Each time I attend services there, I leave with a fire in my soul. The sermons always relate to real life situations and how each of our Christian journeys are different. I will try my best to elaborate on today's sermon that touched my heart. On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and His love that ultimately wins the race of this earthly life. His last words on the cross were " It is Finished." And He deserved to be finished. Jesus had run His race and fought the good fight on this Earth. Yet, he arose from the dead to circle back around to run our race with us. He didn't give up on us. He is calling our our name when we feel broken, shameful and guilty. He doesn't care where we are in our life or what we have done. He wants to be enough to meet us where we are in our race of life.
     Whatever your pace and whatever lap you may be on in your life, God wants to be our pacesetter.
If you have been running with Jesus for a long time and he sets your pace each day, then go and tell as many people as you can about the love of Jesus. Circle back around and run someone else's race with them. Help them and love them to continue on when they are tired and support and encourage them during the tough times in their race.
   Sometimes during our race, we end up on a detour. We feel like we can't continue on our race and we just want to take a shortcut to the finish line. This is not what God has intended for us. Sometimes God sends the obstacles to help strengthen and equip us to know that our race is not finished. It is our sign to stand back up and start running again.
  Then there may be some people who have never decided to run with Jesus. Find those people and tell them you are ready to start training and running with them. Some may just need a kind voice or a helping hand to kick-start their race.
   Wherever you are in your Christian race, know that God is there beside you. He fought the good fight and came back to prove we would always have Him here with us. And the same power that rose Him from the grave lives in us. I encourage all of you to take a deep breath and know that you are running your own race. It matters not if you are in the front, the middle or the back. What matters is that you are running and each of our us will run at our own pace in life. Allow God to pace your steps. There may be times when you need to slow down and catch your breath, or there may be times when you need to push forward and run faster. No matter where you are, don't lose hope. Keep persevering whether you on the paved concrete, the bumpy trail or climbing the highest mountain. God is there beside you every step of the way....KEEP RUNNING MY FRIENDS!!