Originally published Monday, 12 October 2020.
Guess what? God has a plan for your life. That’s right. He’s got a plan for you. So don’t look to the left or right of you. Stay focused and keep your eyes on all the God has called and entrusted to you. When you and I focus on our own individual walk with God, our family, our ministry work, and our responsibilities at home and work, we’re running ourrace, and we want to run it to the finish line, well.
At the end of the day – this life, we want to hear well done thou good and faithful servant. We want to have lived a life that was pleasing unto the Father. We want to have done God’s will, while loving Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength, while also loving our neighbors as ourselves (see Matthew 22:37-40). We want to have lived a life poured out in service to those in need, the lost, encouragement to the body of Christ, and all for God’s ultimate glory and not our own.
So how are you running your race, sis?
Are you running it well? Are you focused on Jesus and on the things that will make the most difference on this side of heaven and eternity or are you being distracted by the cares of this life, sin, or lack of motivation regarding what God is calling you to do in this season?
Wherever you are, focus. Focus on your race and run it well. If you feel yourself getting tired, take a rest, and then get back to it. If you feel like you’re growing weary as a wife, mother, worker, ministry or business leader, I encourage you to take a new grip and find your second wind. Whatever you do, just don’t give up, because God’s got you! The body of Christ has you.
And know this, sis. Running your race will look differently than the next person running alongside you. My encouragement to you would be to simply stay in your lane and don’t get tripped up. In other words, along the way, don’t get tripped up by comparison, spiritual warfare, tragedy, false teaching, division, chaos, and personal sin.
Follow what Hebrews 12:1-2 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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.”
There is so much in this passage of Scripture. It tells us to strip off every weight that slows us down. So take a moment to examine your life to see if there is any weight that’s slowing you down. It could be bad relationships, debt, mental stress, anxiety, or even lack of trust in God. The Word of God is saying, “Strip it off.” Trust in the One who can carry and lift every burden.
It also talks about stripping off the weight of sin that so easily trips us up. Examine your life to see if there is any sin present. If so, acknowledge your wrong, confess it to the Lord as John 1:9 states, ask for His forgiveness (and from others if you’ve offended anyone), and then begin moving forward again. That’s stripping off the weight of sin. It’s repentance (turning away from it).
Remember this is all about running your race well and to the finish line. Again, at the end, when it’s all said and done and you’ve endured it all, there is joy that awaits you in heaven – and me too! So run your race well, sis. And I will do the same!
Also remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s be ready from the Inside Out!
Question: How are you today? Are you running your race well or do you need to strip off some weight in your life that may be slowing you down. Also, if you need prayer, reach out via email at insideoutwithcourtnaye@gmail.com and I will pray for you.
Discover more resources from my ministry and find out more information about upcoming events and booking for your next conference or event by visiting www.courtnayerichard.com. Let's connect and let me know how this post ministered to you today! ~Courtnaye
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Courtnaye Richard is the founder of Inside Out with Courtnaye, a ministry that helps women grow in their walk with Christ from the heart and equips them to fulfill their God-given purpose. She is also the author of the book, IDENTIFIED: Knowing Who You Are in Christ and Moving Forward in Your Purpose. Courtnaye is married with three beautiful children and is a contributing writer for ibelieve.com, Women’s Ministry Tools, speaker of a host of women’s conferences, and her blog reaches thousands of women across the globe. She resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country (outside of Austin, Texas).
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